Comfort in the midst of fear

I think recently I've been realizing that this world, and everyone in it-- in one way or another-- are driven by fear. It's sad because sometimes the very motivation we have is fear-driven. Oppurtunities are missed because of our fears. We dont risk because we fear failure. We limit spontaniety in our life because we fear regret. We dont pursue in fear of rejection. We shy our confidence because we fear that people might judge us to be show-offish. We study and cram the night before a test in fear of failing. We cry in times of remorse in anticipation for the feelings of helplessness that's to come. We make petty, impulsive decisions in fear that the chance will pass us by.

Let's admit it. We are all driven by fear.

Fear is something I've always had a hard time with. This world parades around the idea that we need to be equipped with the appropriate gear, uniform and weapons-- so that we could be prepared for whatever comes our way. We need to be ready. We need to be appropriately equipped. We. We, we. weeeeeeee (haha just kidding)

There are alot of things I fear. Rapists, Theifs, knives, guns, murder. Darkness, ferocious animals, capitalistic communism. North Korea, power, untamed animals. People, mistakes, helplnessness, failure, rejection, disapproval, slander, inadeqaucy. It's overwhelming to think about all the things that I have to cower away from on a daily basis. Every heartbeat-racing instance, every "that-was-a-close-one" moment, every time I have to keep my guards up to ensure that I would be as far away as possible from these things I "fear". I always turned to myself in order to conquer these fears. but here I am, sitting in the middle of this black hole constantly being sucked up by the things I fear

These days I've been realizing more and more how un-involved I am in this fear-conquering buisness. I'm riding on the back of someone else's horse. I'm standing on the back row of the army lines. I'm merely holding tightly onto the arm of someone much stronger, much more victorious, much more capable of conquering these fears than I will ever be. I'm so thankful that I'm learning to depend on Him more to fight my battles for me..so what more could I do than to stand here as a witness of His Victories and give Him praise?

Praise Him more, I guess.

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

Though an army besiege me,my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.

For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

ps 27

Give thanks-- family time, crabs at redondo, deep naps in the car, 5 hours of productive study time, anticipation for what's to come, that You are a Victorious God, that I never have an excuse not to praise You