The World Can Be A Scary Place!

From the heart of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Expositor & Teacher. The psalmist says, “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). In this passage the psalmist looks up at the hills around Jerusalem as he makes his pilgrimage to the Holy City (Jerusalem) to observe an annual festival (Exodus 23:14–17). Perhaps the psalmist and his fellow travelers were about to spend the night camped in the hill country. This would have been a common part of making a several-day journey. However spending the night in the hills could be full of danger. Animals and other natural risks were present. Also and possibly more concerning would be possible thieves, robbers or other people looking to attack vulnerable travelers. It is not surprising that the psalmist would wonder about protection. Occasionally believers today find themselves in dangerous situations and wonder how they will be protected. We’re all aware that the world can be a frightening place. Due to various factors like conflicts, natural disasters, crime, and uncertainty, the world can sometimes feel frightening or threatening, causing people to experience anxiety or fear about their safety and well-being. Is there an answer? We may ask, as the psalmist did, from where will we receive protection and safety? Although Scripture acknowledges that God does not absolutely guarantee our safety in earthly life (Psalm 22:12–18; 25:16; John 16:33), yet our loving heavenly Father watches over us, all the same. Nothing that happens is outside His control, wisdom or His knowledge. Therefore, we have nothing to fear! Be encouraged!