Dealing with Fear

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Father God, we face a world that is filled with fear right now. Anxiety about the coronavirus, as well as fear about all the implications of lockdowns and social distancing, make us apprehensive.

We know that we are not in control, and that can be scary. Our trust in ourselves and our human systems and structures has been exposed and shaken to the core. We don’t know how to respond.

Fear is a comfortable place to go to, but it is not a good place. Fear leads down a road to more toxic thoughts, attitudes and actions. Lord, will you forgive us for the times we have chosen to walk along the path of fear.

But You say in your word that we need to fear you. Not fear that scares and paralyzes us, but that we should be in an attitude of awe and reverence before your majesty, power and presence. As we fix our eyes upon you, the things of this world grow dim, and we gain true perspectives. You give us wisdom and understanding.

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4). This is the testimony of the psalmist. Help us to have that same testimony, confidence, faith and experience.

Grow within us a real sense of fear, reverence and awe of your holiness, majesty and grace. We choose to turn our eyes to you, will you turn your face towards us and grant us your peace. We ask all this in the name of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen.