I was preparing to wind down after today’s pendulum swing of events when Psalm 56:3 hit my heart. It reads as follows: What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. That scripture made me smile.
My mind fell on my maternal grandmother, who, in her 70s, asked me to go with her to the ladies’ room at our church one Sunday night. I was surprised by the request because she was able-bodied and didn’t require assistance. Slowly, as we made our way down the stairs to the darkened lower level, I asked, “Grandma, are you afraid of the dark?” Without hesitance or an ounce of shame, she quickly responded, “Yes!”
I was shocked! I couldn’t understand how she could be afraid of walking through the church basement alone at her age. She’d spent years at the church. How could she fear a place where we’d spent countless hours praising God and fellowshipping with others? But there she was, openly admitting that she was afraid, which prompted her to ask me to accompany her. She needed to travel to that fear-filled place. On this occasion, I was her support. We laughed and continued on, but her answer stayed with me. Her honesty was one of the most precious gifts she left me.
That was decades ago, but it made an imprint on my heart, and once again, I understood what it meant in context with Psalm 56:3. There are seasons in our lives where we are afraid of the “what ifs.” As I contemplated the day’s events, I was in that park. But as my beloved grandmother openly shared, she was afraid. But she also displayed the reality that she still needed to head down those dreaded steps. She took support. And that’s what the Lord reminded me tonight. The scripture captures it all, and I’m thankful for the beautiful reminder from it and Grandma Ellen that when I experience times of fear, I will trust in the Lord! He will be my support!
I’m so glad God is not afraid, and He will strengthen us to go through those “fear-filled” seasons. He will bring us to the place of Psalm 56:11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
We can embrace Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
We are also empowered by the beautiful reminder in Isaiah 43:1-2 But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name: thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Thank You, Jesus, for the reset!
In the Master’s Service,
Author/Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)