Freely Speaking - Devotional by Sharee Gaiser

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today’s devotional was written and narrated by Sharee Gaiser.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 (NIV)

I am quite a resilient person…most of the time. With an independent streak that often leads me to over-function, I find it difficult to ask others for help.

Recently, my husband took an extended overseas trip, leaving me at home to manage life on my own. During the daylight hours, I rose to the occasion. I managed a kitchen renovation, kept up with the chores, and even took care of rubbish-bin duty—something my husband normally does.

But as I closed the blinds and the sun dipped below the horizon, things changed.

With no one else in the house, I became aware of noises I hadn't heard before. Was that someone at the door? Peeking through the curtains, I scanned the darkness outside, but saw nothing.

It was amazing how quickly my confidence disappeared when the sun went down.

Yet Psalm 56:3 reminded me that fear doesn't have to have the final word. David doesn't say, “If I am afraid.” He says, “When I am afraid.” Fear is part of our human experience, even for those who trust God.

The psalm was written during a frightening time in David's life. He wasn't facing an imaginary threat. He was surrounded by people who wanted to harm him. Yet in the middle of his circumstances, David made a choice: “I put my trust in you.”

Notice that he doesn't say, “When I am afraid, I will make myself feel brave.” His response to fear is to turn his attention toward God.

Trust doesn't mean pretending we're not afraid. It means bringing our fear to the One who is trustworthy. It means reminding ourselves that although we may not know what tomorrow holds, God does.

Sometimes God changes our circumstances. Sometimes He gives us courage to walk through them. And sometimes, like me sitting alone in a quiet house, He simply reminds us that we don't have to face our fears alone.

Fear may knock on the door, but it doesn't have to take up residence in our hearts.

When fear rises, where do you turn?

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