Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. (Deuteronomy 4:9 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Remember
I am often afraid of heights.
Last week, I climbed up a ladder to re-attach some siding to the eaves of our roof. The first time up the ladder, I was terrified. When I got to the top, I dropped the siding. So, I climbed back down. When I got to the top, I dropped my hammer. So, I climbed back down. When I got to the top, I could not quite reach the place I needed to hammer. So, I climbed back down. When I got to the top, I attached a section of the siding, but could not reach the other edge. So, I climbed back down.
You get the idea.
But something happened to my fear. Each time I made it to the top without disaster, I relaxed a little. Each time my feet were firm all the way up and down the rungs, I was less nervous. Each time I successfully climbed and descended, I learned.
I was still a bit afraid, mind you. It was a long way down!
But I remembered that disaster was averted… repeatedly.
And I had reason to be less afraid.
God tells the Israelites to remember His help. He tells them to remember diligently the help that they had seen and experienced. And He promises that remembering will help next time.
When God brings you safely past your fears… do not forget.
Remember His help. Remember His safety. Remember His love.
And next time, the reasons for fear might not seem so reasonable.
Fear not, then remember.