When I was growing up at home, Dad amused himself by periodically scaring me and my siblings. As we walked by, Dad would pop out from behind a random door and yell, “Boo!”  

Every time he did this, I felt trapped. My fight-or-flight response was triggered, adrenaline was released, and I trembled in terror. Despite my startled response, Dad’s reaction was always the same. He’d double over laughing, because my father knew, though I was in a state of panic, I wasn’t in any real danger.

In Exodus 14, Israel panicked, but God knew they weren’t in any real danger. While it is true that Pharaoh was behind them, and the Red Sea was before them, God had already hatched a failsafe escape plan. Israel, however, didn’t know how God would deliver them from Egyptian slavery and rescue them from what appeared to be their inevitable demise. Assuming they were boxed in and doomed, verse 10 says, they were “terrified and cried out to the Lord."

In this verse, terrified is the Hebrew word yare', meaning to be filled with dread and frightened of something terrible. It also means to be in awe of something or give reverence and respect.

Friend, when you let the enemy make you fearful, you give him the reverence, respect and awe that should be reserved for the Lord. Instead of panicking and assuming the worst, put your faith in our sovereign God who makes no mistakes and never fails. According to Psalm 91:5, when you trust Him and take refuge in Him, “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day.”

This verse I just referenced also contains the Hebrew word yare', as the psalmist assures us that fear cannot stand against faith! Fear lies and says that you are boxed in by trouble, but faith declares the truth and says that you are surrounded by favor.

In Psalm 23:4 KJV, which is what I’m stirring into your cup of inspiration, David said, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

That word fear David uses in this passage is also the Hebrew word yare'. And just as David knew that he had no reason to be terrified, as you drink down the contents of your cup, God wants you to know the same thing.

Though you may be walking through your own valley of the shadow of death, fear not. Jesus, who already conquered death, hell, and the grave, is walking with you. And surely, He will deliver you, guide you and take care of you every step of the way.

Now, let’s pray.

God, thank You for reminding me that when it appears that I am boxed in by trouble, I am actually surrounded by Your favor. No matter what I see happening around me, I trust You and believe that everything is already alright. I praise You for rescuing me and making a way for me once again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Get more inspiration from Dianna Hobbs weekdays, Monday through Friday, right here on Your Daily Cup of Inspiration. Be sure to catch up on encouragement that you missed, and if you need prayer, don’t hesitate to ask for it here. The ministry team is standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, to intercede. Until next time, stay encouraged.