Sudden Fear

Today's Verse:

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. ~Proverbs 3:25 

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Have you ever experienced what Solomon refers to as "sudden fear"? Sudden fear comes when an unexpected event occurs that results in you being very unsettled and in much turmoil. It can lead to loss of sleep, constant anxiety, loss of appetite, and insecurity. In Genesis 15, sudden fear is also referred to as “the horror of great darkness.” 

We see the cause. 

There are many causes for sudden fear. Job stress and unrealistic expectations placed on you can lead to sudden fear. The loss of a loved one can lead to sudden fear. A declining health diagnosis can lead to sudden fear. A financial reversal leads to sudden fear. Sudden fear is a serious anxiety attack that causes a person to be overly concerned about their personal, familial, financial, and future security. When someone experiences this fear, there is a loss of enthusiasm for things they normally enjoy and a withdrawal from having personal contact with other people. Sudden fear results in a paralysis of feelings and faith. 

We see the command. 

“Be not afraid of sudden fear.” Sudden fear cannot be planned for. However, in this command we see that when it comes, we must confront it head on. This command tells us that we must not allow our fear to overcome us, but rather we must overcome it. Two of the most precious words given to us as Christians are the words, “fear not.” We are commanded to fear not when we are in a storm. We are commanded to fear not when we are commanded to perform something in faith. We are commanded to fear not when a new responsibility is given to us. When everything around us appears to be falling apart, fear not. 

We see the confidence. 

“For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” When a calamity arises, we must get our eyes on the Lord. We must pray as David did when he said, “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered from all my fears.” Have faith in God when sudden fear comes. As we place our fears and situation into His hands, He keeps us from falling. Instead of tripping in our circumstances, the Lord keeps us steady. Let the Lord be your shelter in the time of storm. Let the Lord be your strong tower that you will run into. Let Him be your confidence. How do we do this? Go to the Lord in prayer and in His Word for sound wisdom and discretion (v. 21). 

We see a comfort. 

“Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” Confidence and faith in the Lord gives us peace and safety. Instead of sleepless nights, we have rest. Instead of fear, faith prevails. Instead of bad judgment calls, we patiently wait. Instead of walking an uncertain path, we have a light for our path and a lamp unto our feet. 

Sudden fear is a reality that all of us will face. Instead of being overwhelmed, we can overcome it. Instead of being a victim, we can be a victor. Robert Louis Stevenson said, “Keep your fears to yourself; share your confidence with others.” Immerse yourself in God’s Word to keep you spiritual, sane, and safe. 

Have a confident God Morning! 

Bible Reading Schedule: Joshua 5-8

#Proverbs #Confidence #Faith #Fear