The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
Why do people problems in relationships? The answer in many cases may be very simple: they are afraid. Because of past experiences, people fear becoming vulnerable and intimate in their relationships with others. The fear of experiencing yet another disappointment and hurt keeps them isolated from meaningful relationships.
Dr. Gary Smalley, in this book, “The DNA of Relationships,” speaks to this when he writes: “Fear is as old as the Garden of Eden. In the beginning, Adam and Eve enjoyed a perfect and satisfying relationship with God and with one another. But the moment they disregarded God’s instructions and chose instead to follow the serpent’s advice, fear took over. It spoiled their relationship to God and to each other. And we have been feeling its destructive effects ever since.”
In the text above, the psalmist writes about overcoming fear through the Lord – it is He that provides “light”, “salvation” and truly deliverance from our oppressing fears. On Sunday we will discuss this further, as we look at overcoming our fears in relationships by not blaming others, seeking confidence from God and desiring the deliverance that God can give us as we conclude the sermon series, “The DNA of Relationships.” Hope to see you then!
