“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith.” 
—1 Peter 5:8-9, NASB

Reflection 

In these times of social and economic upheaval, people are more afraid than ever. Many people have real fear when it comes to the possibility of running out of money, experiencing betrayal by a lover or friend, being fired from a job, or losing their home. In today’s society, where so many families are being torn apart and separated geographically, the fear of growing old and winding up in a nursing home alone plagues many. These are genuine fears that lead to great anxiety, worry, and even despair. 

There are many and varied fears and phobias people today are living with: the fear of death, the fear of getting sick, the fear of running out of money, the fear of being betrayed by a spouse or loved one, the fear of being fired, the fear of being in a hospital, the fear of war, the fear of public speaking, the fear of car accidents, and the fear of something happening to a loved one. 

Have you ever dealt with any of these phobias, or any others for that matter? There are hundreds of different kinds of fears that people are grappling with on a daily basis. Some of these fears totally immobilize, while others make life very difficult at best. 

Though some of these fears may seem common, and thus normal, the truth is that Satan is behind every phobia faced by humanity. Jesus says that Satan is a liar and the father of lies. We must learn to resist him. Be of sober spirit. Be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 

Fear may be real, but it is not your master. The enemy may prowl, but you are called to resist him, firm in your faith. Courage is not the lack of fear, but the ability to face it. In Jesus, your Messiah, you can face fear and defeat it. As you learn to dwell in the secret place and abide under the shadow of His wings, you can say to the Lord: You are my refuge and my fortress. I choose to trust in You. Because I believe Your Word, I will not fear. 

Application 

• Name the fear that has been troubling you, then resist the enemy’s lies by standing firm in your faith.  

• Choose to dwell in the secret place of God and trust Him as your refuge and fortress.  

Prayer 

Abba Father, help me not to be afraid as I learn to dwell in Your secret place and abide under the shadow of Your wings. You are my refuge and my fortress, and I choose to trust in You. Because I believe Your Word, I will not fear. Through faith in Jesus, my Messiah, I will be an overcomer. Thank You, Lord God, for always being with me. In the name of Yeshua, I pray, Amen.