Think on These Things
Martha Wainright
Gladstone, Missouri
Most of us seem to be going down the highway of life in the fast lane, slowing down now and then for a red light or a yellow caution sign. A very common saying is, “Where did this week or month, go?” Perhaps there are logical reasons for this; many working all day, taking educational courses of one kind or another, various interests that are time consuming, relatives, friends, normal responsibilities, etc. But let us think about our mental business as well as our physical occupation.
Our mind runs rampant during waking hours. According to some specialists, at night also, as evidenced by dreams. Just as it is hard to slow down physically, it is just as difficult to control and gear down the flow of thoughts, ideas and memories that flood our mind.
An old hymn called some of these thoughts, “Precious memories.” We may have these, but what about the tide of thoughts that come to our mind that we don’t like, that cause for example, fear. As stated by many, fear can be beneficial (such as fearing to drive on the railroad track in front of a moving train), but we aren’t going to consider this type of fear. Let us think more realistically about the times when we feel fearful concerning; our job, the welfare and future of our family, health, finances and so on. As you read this you will think of many more things that cause fear to well up inside, although as Christians we hate to admit this because we are trusting our Heavenly Father and know we need not be afraid. Yet, there it is, big as life, and at times threatening to choke out every ounce of peace within.
David said, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee” – Ps. 56:2. This gives us the reassurance that we aren’t alone in this misery. The same shepherd who wrote about the Lord being his Shepherd also spoke of fear. David was honest enough to not be ashamed of this admittance. We can follow his example. But then, I can just imagine many of you have already mentally quoted I John 4:18, “…perfect love casteth out fear….” Amen.
He also gives us the spiritual answer for this over and over in the Psalms. First of all, he sought the Lord. Secondly, he believed that the Lord heard him and thirdly, he experienced deliverance from fear. David knew the Lord in a personal way just as the Apostle Paul did and many others we read about in the Bible.
Each of us has that same opportunity. When Christ atoned for sin, once, for all, the vail of the temple was “rent in twain.” This signified, that by faith we can commune with God face to face, Jesus Christ being our mediator. When we come to know God, through Jesus, we have fellowship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As we abide in divine truth and love, all fear is cast out. Perhaps not all at once, but one fear at a time; as is the order of any warfare – one battle at a time. We have a guard over our mind, “the peace of God.” “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” – Phil. 4:7.
While we wait for the coming of the Lord let us believe that He is our deliverer. Then we can continue to trust the Lord amidst our fears and battles, anticipating deliverance from them.
