ODJ: Always

June 29, 2016 

READ: Psalm 16:8-11  

I know the Lord is always with me (v.8).

On 11 September, 2001, Todd Beamer was one of 44 people who were killed when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed after being hijacked by al-Qaeda terrorists. Shortly after that tragic day, I remember listening to Todd’s young widow, Lisa Beamer, who said moving forward she would live carefully but not in fear. Though she had lost the husband she loved, Lisa refused to let terror rule over her heart and mind. Instead, she chose to trust in the God of peace and to believe He’s ultimately victorious over evil.

As one who’s often nearly paralysed by fear (for example, I’m terrified of flying and consider bailing before every trip rather than getting on the plane), I’m continuing to learn how vital faith in Jesus is in overcoming my apprehension.

If you battle anxiety as I do, imagine how our lives would look if we truly grasped the truth expressed by David: “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me” (Psalm 16:8).

The psalmist “knew” the Lord was always with him. He was confident in his certain, living, faithful God. By placing his trust in the truth of who He is, David was able to rest in the reality that the Lord is in charge.

God wasn’t with the psalmist some of the time but all of the time, without exception and on every occasion! The same is true for you and me. With God “right beside” us, we can stand firm rather than allow circumstances, fear and trials to rob us of peace and cause us to experience distress. May we never forget what David said of God and His loving care: “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever” (v.11). He’s always there.

—Roxanne Robbins

365-day plan: Matthew 5:17-30