Fear is not always rational. After the September 2001 terrorist attacks using commercial airliners, it was of little consolation to know that statistically we are still at greater risk while climbing a ladder at home than flying in an airplane.

Frank Farley, a psychologist at Temple University in Philadelphia, says, "We often appraise risk inaccurately. One of the problems is we overvalue unusual events." And that is why terror and threats can create a climate of anxiety for individuals and nations.

How can we find release when we are gripped by fear? King David told us. During a perilous time in his life, he wrote: "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. . . . The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them" (Psalm 34:4,7). In dark and difficult days, David experienced the security of God's presence and the light of His love. That's why he could say, "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" (v.8).

When we're afraid, we can turn for comfort to our powerful heavenly Father, whose eyes are on us and whose ears are open to our cry (v.15).  —David McCasland  — David C. McCasland