On the evening before D-Day during World War II, the captain of a Navy vessel called his men together to prepare them for crossing the English Channel. He knew the were filled with anxiety, so he tried to encourage them by saying, “When you stop to think about it, fear is a very healthy thing.” A third-class yeoman spoke up, “Captain, if what you say is true, I’m the healthiest man in the entire Navy!”
Although fear is one of the most harmful emotions, it can be one of the most helpful. The fear of getting burned causes us to handle hot objects with care. A fear of heights can caution us to keep safe distance from the edge of a cliff. Fear of failure motivates us to redouble our efforts to succeed. But the greatest benefit of fear occurs when it directs us to the Lord for His help. David, while a captive of the Philistines, wrote that when he was fearful he would place his confidence in the Lord (Psalm 56:3).
Are you facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge? Is your heart filled with anxiety? Have you received unsettling news? Is your future uncertain? Let your fear drive you to the Lord. Commit yourself to His care and provision. Trust Him to keep His Word. Count on Him to be faithful. That’s how to have a healthy fear. – Richard W. De Haan
Fear not, I am with thee – O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, I will give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand. – Keith
When troubles call on you, call on God.
- November 18, 1989, Our Daily Bread
For You 