I have always struggled with fear. This manifests itself in a number of ways, but is most intense at night, especially when I wake up and all is dark and quiet. Over the years, I have asked the Lord for faith to combat this fear. Many comforting verses are in Isaiah (see chapters 41, 43, 45, 49, 50, 51, 61, 62); but God recently also put Psalm 139 on my heart. In this Psalm, entitled "Search Me, O God, and Know Me," the psalmist is reminding himself that His God knows him intimately and can purge away the sin in his heart that hinders him from walking in the way everlasting. In my sonnet below, I highlight a different aspect of the Psalm - namely, the reminder that God is always with me, knows every detail about me, and is sovereignly caring for me, so I do not have to fear. Thank You, Father, that you are Sovereign!Before a word is on my tongue You know
The thoughts that fill my heart and make me speak.
You know the path I walk, which way I go,
The times when I rise up and when I sleep.
Your hand does hem me in from every way,
Surrounds and leads my every human step.
My frame, before it saw the light of day,
Was seen and formed by You in earthly depths.
So why, at every shadow, do I fear?
Why does my heart beat wildly in the night?
As though I am alone with No One near,
A slave to senseless worrying and fright?
Be still, my soul, and rest 'neath Sovereign Care
For God, your Father, numbers every hair.
