When I was outside tending to my ducks, Lily and Larry, the other day, a hawk suddenly flew over our heads. The terror in my ducks’ eyes was apparent, and they stiffened and became paralyzed with fear. I happened to be standing right next to them at the time, so I emphatically told them, “You have nothing to fear while I’m standing right beside you!” Even though I knew that hawks were a real threat to Lily and Larry, and that they could do them serious harm, I didn’t understand their fearful behavior when it was obvious that their protector and provider was so very close by.
Suddenly, I heard the Lord’s voice deep in my spirit say, “That’s exactly how I feel when you forget that I am with you, and you become fearful and fretful.” I instantly felt ashamed, and the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance a verse from Isaiah 41:10 (AMP), which says: “Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.” The truth is that, for those of us who are abiding in Christ, “there is nothing to fear” when trouble comes. If I felt indignant when my ducks became afraid while I was standing right next to them, imagine how the Lord feels when we become fearful every time we feel threatened in some way.
Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]” (John 14:27 AMP) You and I have the privilege of claiming the peace of Christ in the midst of our trials, and we don’t have to allow ourselves to be intimidated by circumstances, other people, or the devil himself. The next time trouble comes knocking on your door, remember that you have a choice. Take your stand in faith and declare with confidence—“I choose peace, in Jesus’ name!”