What makes some people afraid, and others unafraid?

Imagine two men with a similar past, personality and personal life. When hardship comes, the first one loses sleep, perspective and peace. But the other usually sleeps well, maintains perspective, and feels at peace—even though life is sometimes a struggle.

The first doesn’t trust that God is in control and cares for him. The second does.

Psalm 91:5-6 says: “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.”

There are terrors in the night, arrows in the day, pestilence that stalks in the darkness, and a plague that destroys at midday. Woah. But at the start of verse 5 it says that you will “not fear” them. Why? Because the Lord “is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (verse 2).

Here’s a question for you to think about: How does God’s care for you make you less fearful?

How would you answer, honestly? Think through some reasons. Name some examples. And grow your confidence that is who he says he is and does what he promises he will do for those who love him.

Fear can’t rule over you if God already has the job.

By Matthew Ruttan

–After May 27th, “Up!” will go on pause for a week while I spend some dedicated time for study. It will resume on June 3.

–Today’s devotional is connected to my most recent sermon: “In the Shelter of the Most High.” Click here to access YouTube or audio-only download options.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.