HAL BRADY: Living with Fear

The level of fear in this country escalated 100% on April 19, 1995, the day of the terrible tragedy in Oklahoma City — the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Oklahoma City is in the heartland of the United States of America. Terrorists acts occurred in other parts of the world, but up to that time not in the United States. Perhaps it was on April 19, 1995, that we in the United States realized anew just how vulnerable we all are. Whether it pertains to terrorists’ warnings, an approaching hurricane, anxiety over the outcome of the presidential election, a serious illness, an unsettled economy, border issues, job loss or other, fear is ever present.

Now, hear the glorious words of the psalmist. In the midst of his fears he says, “…yet I will be confident” psalm 27:3). That’s what we need — confidence, as we face all our enemies (our fears). So, like this psalmist, how do we get this confidence to live above our fears?