Fear

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).

I think that this verse is so appropriate for my thinking this week. Out of Mexico there is news of perhaps a swine flu pandemic. Out of Pakistan the Taliban are one hour give or take from Islamabad and the Pakistani nuclear arsenal. A crank phone call came into my voice mail on Saturday morning at 3:37.

On the surface we might say, wow, scared of a crank telephone call, what’s up with that? Well, I’m not typically a fearful person, but this phone call has been occurring for a year or so now. It is always the same voice, disguised, the same words and roughly at the same time of day. Oh, and the words are personal and attacking. I get the feeling that it is someone that I know and perhaps someone who’s stalking. That makes me cautious. So I head to the Psalms.

As for a swine flu pandemic, well that’s a bit scary too. I will refrain from crowds, including church until this passes. I think that is the right and prudent thing to do. I’ll also stay about three feet away from other people.

Now considering the Taliban with nuclear weapons; that’s scary. I’ll trust that those charged with protecting us will do what they need to do to keep us safe. For my mental well being and outlook I will seek God, the Lord and rely on him to deliver me from my fears and protect me.