Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale Daily DevotionalSample

False Fear Fear can be a funny thing. It has the ability to thrive in our lives illegitimately. How so? Consider this: We all know what it's like to be terrified about things that aren't true or real. As a kid, it may have been the boogeyman under your bed. As a teenager, it may have been the fear of never getting our driver's license. And now... The fact is this: We often fear things that have no basis in reality. As the saying goes, "For every ten worries that roll down the street at us, nine fall into the gutter." Fear doesn't depend on what is; it derives its strength from what might happen. Such fear is a false fear, a fear based on what isn't true. David describes this taking place in the lives of the wicked. He says there is "great fear where no fear was." Interestingly, it's the wicked-those who have no connection with God-who are being described by David. That's not us, and living in great fear where there is no fear doesn't have to be us. The "what might happen" doesn't have to dominate our lives. We don't have to bow down to the idol of false fear. How? By taking full advantage of our connection with God, by being in a continual state of worshipping Him, by seeking Him first in all things and at all times, and by fearing Him instead of things that haven't happened nor are real. So what are you afraid of right now? Is it the proverbial boogeyman under the bed or something similar? Is it something that has no real substance behind it? If you belong to God, it doesn't have to be that way. Faithful Father, free us from false fear and fix our eyes on You in all situations and circumstances. Fear doesn't depend on what is; it derives its strength from what might happen. Think about it... What does this passage reveal to me about God? What does this passage reveal to me about myself? Based on this, what changes do I need to make? What is my prayer for today?