The LORD is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one. The LORD protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid.

When evil men attack me and try to kill me, they stumble and fall. Even if a whole army surrounds me, I will not be afraid; even if enemies attack me, I will still trust God.

I have asked the LORD for one thing; one thing only do I want; to live in the LORD’s house all my life, to marvel there at his goodness, and to ask for this guidance. In times of trouble he will shelter me; he will keep me safe in his Temple and make me secure on a high rock. So I will triumph over my enemies around me. With shouts of joy I will offer sacrifices in his Temple; I will sing, I will praise the LORD.

Hear me, LORD, when I call to you! Be merciful and answer me! When you said, "Come worship me," I answered, "I will come, LORD." Don’t hide yourself from me!

Don’t be angry with me; don’t turn your servant away. You have been my help; don’t leave me, don’t abandon me, O God, my savior. My father and mother may abandon me, but the LORD will take care of me.

Teach me, LORD, what you want me to do, and lead me along a safe path, because I have many enemies. Don’t abandon me to my enemies, who attack me with lies and threats.

I know that I will live to see the LORD’s goodness in this present life. Trust in the LORD. Have faith, do not despair. Trust in the LORD.

Psalm 27:1-14

Few of us are traveling to heaven in a state of freedom from all fear. We do trust, but we may be troubled with gnawing worries. Our common experience is that our trust in God is mingled with episodes of worry. Don’t worry that you have worries. Don’t pretend you don’t have them. Just admit them. Share them with someone. Ask God for the grace to help you overcome those fears. On your journey through life, whenever you’re afraid, trust in the LORD.

Trusting God’s faithfulness dispels our fearfulness.

Our Daily Bread – February 12, 2003