Living Fearlessly
by: Tamra Richardt
July 9, 2025
“God is our refuge and strength always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.”
Not long ago, a hurricane threatened to rip through Florida, smashing the Keys and coming precariously close to our home. The weather forecasters were busy spewing information on technical facts and figures of wind velocity and torrential rains. Clueless as to what all these facts and figures meant, we were certain of one thing: we were in trouble.
We sat glued to the television for any hopeful bit of news to comfort our turbulent emotions. With every new bit of information, the forecast became bleeker. “Are we gonna die, Mamma?” my little son asked in fearful innocence.
“Of course not, sweetie. Don’t be afraid. We will all be fine.” But I wasn’t completely confident we would be.
The thought of losing our home and all the precious things in it was truly frightening. This was a tangible, undeniable fear; one we were completely unaccustomed to and emotionally unprepared for.
We spent long hours removing pictures from walls, lifting furniture to higher places, wrapping the legs of heavy beds in plastic bags, and packing my children’s belongings for a northward trek, wanting to get as far away from the impending storm as possible. Each toy was examined thoughtfully, realizing the ones left behind may face a sad demise. Such simple decisions can seem insurmountable when danger is the motivation. We wanted to save as much of our home as we could. In its disheveled state, our house looked like it did when we were first moving in, forlorn and strangely chaotic. I turned to take a last glance as I walked out the front door, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness spread its cold tentacles over my heart. What would we find upon our return? It was all I could do to shut the door and turn the key in the lock.
“You will be kept in perfect peace when your mind is steadily trusting in God,” (Isaiah 26:3).
How do you keep your mind in perfect peace when your world is collapsing around you, outcomes are uncertain, or when you stand to lose all that you hold dear? The one thing that kept us sane through the turmoil was the past experiences of God’s unfailing ability to provide for our needs. His track record was, so far, unchallenged. He had never failed us in the past. Why would He fail us now?
Many people were praying for a miraculous turn of events, and much to my relief and amazement, the hurricane took a sudden and unpredictable westerly spin out to sea, leaving our city intact. We all jumped for joy, dancing in a hysterical circle of relief while tears spilled down my cheeks. We took our first easy breath since the initial storm warning.
The things in my world, my house, land, and possessions, are so temporal. None of them will be my companion on the final ship out of here. Nothing I own can comfort my heart, fill me with peace, or rescue me in times of trouble. So, what am I afraid of?
Sometimes, challenges come to reveal the true treasures of our heart and help us understand what’s truly important. God’s ability to prioritize is unique and revelatory. He sees both the intentions of our heart and the priorities.
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal,” (Matthew 6:19-20).
I learned an important lesson through that fearful experience and all the many other challenging incidents in life. When trust is my guide, fear has to take a back seat.
“For He orders His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.” (Psalms 91:11-12)
We can be encouraged when faced with daunting circumstances and frightening situations knowing no weapon formed against us can prosper. And all things work together for good, to those who trust God and are called according to His purposes for them.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
The next time, the hurricane may not pass us by. But I know God will continue to give us this confident assurance, because “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalms 46:1).
Worship: No Longer Slaves
Prayer
Loving Father, You are the Author and Finisher of our faith. You know what circumstances to bring into our lives that will teach us to trust and fully rely on You. Thank You for revealing the true treasures of our heart. Help us to walk in fearless reliance on You, knowing You always have our best interest at heart. Amen.
Further Study
Isaiah 41:10; John 14:27; 2 Timothy 1:7; Exodus 14:13-14; Romans 8:37-39
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The things in my world, my house, land, and possessions, are so temporal. None of them will be my companion on the final ship out of here. Nothing I own can comfort my heart, fill me with peace, or rescue me in times of trouble. So, what am I afraid of? Sometimes, challenges come to reveal the true treasures of our heart and help us understand what’s truly important. God’s ability to prioritize is unique and revelatory. He sees both the intentions of our heart and the priorities.