One way you can tell if someone is mature in the faith is to observe them when life presents challenges. Do they well up with fear and anxiety, or do they lean on God, the one who is our refuge and strength, the one who is an ever-present help in times of trouble? Psalm 46, verses 1 and 2 says:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,”
I honestly believe that mature believers don’t fear in times of trouble because they know that when we are weak, God is strong. It is in those times that we should fear the least because the outcome isn’t in our hands. When we have to depend on God, that is the best place to be, because we realize what we should know in every situation; that things are in his hands. This knowledge may not shield us from being sad, feeling loss, or struggling with our emotions, but it should help with our fear. If we know that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, then like Psalms 46 says, “we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall in the heart of the sea.” You may be thinking that this is easier said than done, but I submit to you that this is something that should come naturally to any mature believer. So, I encourage you, when life throws you a curve ball, remember this truth.
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There are several areas in the Bible where we are reassured that God is in control. And when we truly know this, we should have no fear. Why would you fear when you know that God is in control and that he has your best interest at heart? There is nothing too big for God, and whatever life throws at you, God is always there with you even when it doesn’t feel like he is. The truth is that the foundation of our faith should never be tested to the point of showing any weakness. Because what’s true is always true no matter what we’re facing. And the truth is that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.