Trap or Trust?

This morning, I came across the following verse:

"A person's fear sets a trap for him, but one who trusts in the Lord is safe." Proverbs 29:25

The verse jumped off the page to me, and as I considered what it said, I was reminded of how often the word 'fear' has been a part of my conversation with others over the past year or so; it shows up in all of our lives in a wide variety of ways, and many times we do not even realize it is there or recognize it for what it truly is.

How fitting that the Proverb relates fear to a TRAP...a trap is usually hidden from sight, camouflaged as something else, and completely unexpected. A trap catches someone off guard, instantly stops the forward momentum, and causes him/her to be removed or separated from the path, purpose, or intended destination.

Fear is a very real part of the human experience. I believe this is why there are so many scriptures that speak on the topic. We can encounter fear as we face danger or worry about the unknown; it shows up when we question our abilities or have concerns about the decisions of our loved ones. The presence of fear is also demonstrated when we are convinced that the wisdom and life experiences of others are inadequate and, if followed, will cause us to miss out on what our limited view demonstrates to us as a necessary course of action.

What does life look like when we have been caught in the trap of fear? Well, try to imagine a person's response to being caught in a real trap; he/she might lash out against the surroundings in a desperate attempt to gain freedom. Or maybe the person would hide, cower, and cry, ultimately becoming depressed and choosing isolation over any opportunity to get free, even with help.

When the fear we experience is allowed to have control, it only causes harm to ourselves and those around us. It creates unnecessary space between us and our loved ones, it convinces us that we are incapable or forgotten, and ultimately, it keeps us from the purposes and plans that we are uniquely designed for.

My prayer is that God would increase our awareness so we can more easily see what fear looks like in our lives. As we become more able to see where the traps exist, we can avoid them and move in a different direction, one of faith and trust in the path God has already laid out ahead of us; He even says in the Psalms that His Word acts as a light for that path. I pray that when we begin to experience fear, we can choose to step into Truth, despite the emotions we may feel in that moment.

"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but He has given unto us a spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

"So do not be afraid. I am with you. Do not be terrified. I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will hold you safe in my hands. I will always do what is right."  Isaiah 41:10

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid. You are with me."  Psalm 23:4

"Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid." John 14:27

I've heard it said that courage is defined as feeling afraid but doing it anyways.

Today, may we recognize that our feelings are ever-changing and that following the fear in our lives will be to our own detriment. When we trust in the Lord, we are living in the safest place for our heart, mind, and soul this side of heaven.