Prayer comforts us from fear

The uncertainties of life can make us fear about our health,  relationship,  job,  the  future of our children, finances, and many other things in life.

It is in this premise that I am sharing this story of Annie in the "Living Water 2012. “One day, we were happy to learn that our stocks imported from Taiwan arrived earlier than we expected. We  had all the necessary documents prepared so that there would be no delay in the release  of the goods from the custom warehouse. The products were perishable so ideally it have to be delivered to our accounts immediately. To our disappointment, there was another document needed which was difficult to  comply with because of time constraint. No amount of explanation could convince customs to release the perishable items.

"We needed to get a certification from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, which required seven days of waiting time. It seemed the longest wait I ever experienced for our goods to be released. My prayer at that time was that there would be no spoilage even if the release took a while. True enough, when the goods were finally turned over to us, everything was fine.

"Jeremiah 30: 10-11 says, 'But as for you, have no fear… says the Lord, and do not be dismayed…for I am with you." God indeed is alive. He helps us in times of trouble, especially when we call Him.  He never fails to answer.”

Prayer protects us from fear, especially if our faith in God’s mercy is so strong. I, too, had my share of fear when I had my operation two years ago. I prayed to the Lord to comfort me and protect me from any  eventualities. I also prayed that  the Holy Spirit would guide the hands of the doctors  so that my operation be successful.  Indeed, God is good is all the time. My operation was successful.

I believe  that in times when fear would haunt us, our greater refuge is prayer — talking to God and surrendering  to Him whatever burdens we have. Prayers can make miracles and miracles happen no matter how big our problem is. Prayer also comforts us whatever or however great the pain is.

Psalm 46: 1-2 declares, “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 in the sea.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 reminds, "Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.”

The  book, "TouchPoints of Hope,” declares, "Remind yourself that God is always with you. Your situation may be genuinely threatening, but God has not abandoned you and he promises to stay with you. Even if your situation is so bad that it causes death, God has not left you but has instead ushered you into his very presence."