6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
When we know that the Lord will never leave or forsake us, we can have confidence. We will never be alone. And out of that secure position we can face today’s challenges. I remember when I was very young, I was very skinny and weak. I would be the last chosen for team sports in gym class. I would be standing there by myself and then I would be picked. I knew I was not wanted. I knew I was terrible at sports. I had no confidence. I knew I would not be a professional sports player. I knew sports was not my gift. I have found my gift now. I also have found many other areas that are not my gift. I am able to be with people in extreme suffering and not run away. I am able to stay with them and yet not pick up their burdens and carry them as my own. And I can do this because I recognize that the Lord is my helper. I went to a separation board recently where the person was being dismissed from the service. They asked me if I thought there was hope for him. I said I did. I told them of my 34 years clean and sober, and that if I could do it, so could he. The Lord has been my helper. I have no need to be afraid. With Him on my team, it is a sure win. My lack of ability does not matter when I am doing what He has called me to do, because He is able. I can face a crowd with confidence. I am not alone.
The Arnold Journey 