Releasing Fear to God

15 FEBRUARY

Into Thine hand I commit my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. Psalm 31:5

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Luke 23:44-47

Though many things may distress us all, scarcely one person of a hundred wisely commits his life into God's hand. Multitudes live from day to day as merry and careless as if they were in a quiet nest, free from all disturbances. But when they encounter something that truly terrifies them, they are ready to die in anguish. They do not betake themselves to God, either because they deceive themselves with vain delusions, flattering themselves that all will yet be well, or because they are so stricken with dread and stupefied with amazement that they have no desire for God's fatherly care.

As various tempests of grief disturb us and even sometimes throw us down or drag us from the direct path of duty, or at least remove us from our post, the only remedy for setting our fears to rest is to consider that God, Who is the author of our life, is also our Preserver. Trusting in Him is the only way to lighten our burdens and preserve us from being swallowed up by excessive sorrow.

Seeing, therefore, that God condescends to take care of our lives and to support us, let us learn always to flee to this asylum. The more that we are exposed to danger, the more we should carefully meditate upon this. 

This confidence will help us discharge our duty with alacrity as well as constantly and fearlessly struggle onward to the end of our course. How then can so many people be slothful and indifferent, and others so perfidiously forsake their duty? How can they be so overwhelmed with anxiety and terrified of dangers and inconveniences that they leave no room for the operation of the providence of God?

John Calvin

FOR MEDITATION: Few comforts are as great as that which comes from committing one's life to God's hand. Regardless of what storms arise, peace is to be found in God. What do you most fear? Consider what comfort you may find if you release your fear to God.

365 Days With Calvin

Selected and Edited by Joel R. Beeke