February 9, 1999, Tuesday

What is the most effective thing a person can do when they

are gripped by fear and anxiety? What is the most effective

thing a person can do when they are gripped by sorrow and

defeat? What is the most effective thing a person can do if

he is surrounded by persecution and trouble?

The Psalmist was a man often times with the anxieties

of life that caused great fear, but he found a secret-

"I am terrified, and the terrors of death crush me. I

am gripped by fear and trembling; I am overcome with

horror"; he responded to fear by calling to the Lord-

"But I call to the Lord God for help, and He will save

me"! His security came from knowing God could handle it-

"Leave your troubles with the Lord, and He will defend

you; He never lets honest people be defeated" (Psa 55:4

5,16,22). He overcame the fear by his call to God that

gave him assurance God would not let him be overcome.

The Psalmist was faint of heart many times because of

his own failures, but the Lord revived him quickly-

"I am overcome by sorrow; strengthen me, as you have

promised. Keep me from going the wrong way, and in

Your goodness teach me Your law. I have chosen to be

obedient; I have paid attention to Your judgments.

Give me the desire to obey Your laws rather than to

get rich. I confessed all that I have done, and You

answered me; teach me Your ways." (Psa 119:25-36).

God revived him and did not allow him to completely

be defeated for he overcame his sorrow by confession.

The Psalimist reflected in his mind on the many times

he had suffered in his fight against sin. He knew that

his enemy was Satan, but he knew that he would overcome-

"Ever since I was young, my enemies have persecuted me

cruelly, but they have not overcome me; for the Lord,

the Righteous One, has freed me from slavery." (Psa 129:

1-4). He remembered that God was faithful and had been

true to His Word to free him from the power of sin. He

was able to overcome the cruel temptations and the many

persecutions by his confidence in the Lord.

Let us remember the God that is our Captain. God's name

is Jehová Sabaoth. He is the God who is the Captain and

Lord of The Hosts of Heaven. He is the Mighty Conqueror

over all of His enemies. He is mighty in battle and able to

lead His Host to victory. Lift your hands to Him and Praise

Him today for the fact that He is the God who is our Captain

that leads us to our victory! He teaches us to overcome!