Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

We live in a world that fears.

It fears poverty and pain. It fears disrespect and regret. It fears loneliness and irrelevance.

In response, the world craves – craving that leads to pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony and sloth – otherwise known in Christian teaching as the seven deadly sins.

But while the world fears, those of us in Christ are not only confident but joyful in the knowledge that our faith in the Lord ensures eternity in His presence.

Of course, Christians feel the pangs of hunger and those of desire. But we are not enslaved by them. We are controlled not by our yearning to fill our bellies, impress our neighbors or satisfy our lusts – we are led by our fear of God. For the Christian, fear equates to obedience to His word.

It has been said that he who fears God fears nothing else, but he who does not fear God fears everything else. Having been on both sides of this, I can attest to its validity.

One of my recent posts highlighted a favorite worship song that illuminated a relevant and compelling message – one that meaningfully impacted my faith. Here is another from Will Reagan & United Pursuit called “Lay It All Down.”

At the heart of this tune is a warning that our worries can become our idols. But it beautifully attests to the truth that we can lay our fears at the feet of Christ Jesus.

Filled with all those anxious thoughts
And your doubts became your god
Lay it all down
At the feet of Jesus

In scripture, He tells us to do exactly that:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

I hope you will enjoy this song, embrace its message and know that by God’s infinite grace through faith, your fears need not become idols.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6-7