'We Will Not Be Afraid'

In view of God's protection, the psalmist says: " You will not be afraid of anything dreadful by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, not of the pestilence that walks in the gloom, nor of the destruction that despoils at midday." (Psalm 91:5, 6) Since many evil deeds are committed under the cloak of darkness, the night can be a fear-inspiring time. Amid the spiritual darkness now covering the earth, our enemies often resort to covert acts in an effort to destroy our spirituality and stop our preaching work. But 'we are not afraid of anything dreadful by night' because Jehovah guards us. - Psalm 64:1, 2; 121:4; Isaiah 60:2.

"The arrow that flies by day" seems to denote verbal attack. (Psalm 64:3-5; 94:20) As we persist in presenting truthful information, such open opposition to our sacred service proves futile. Moreover, we do not fear "the pestilence that walks in the gloom." This is a figurative pestilence bred amid the gloom of this morally and religiously diseased world lying in Satan's power. (1John 5:19) IT produces a deadly state of mind and heart, leaving people in the dark regarding Jehovah, his purposes, and his loving provisions. (1Timothy 6:4) Amid this darkness, we are not fearful, since we enjoy spiritual light in abundance. - Psalm 43:3.

"The destruction that despoils at midday" does not frighten us either. "Midday" may denote the so-called enlightenment of the world. Those who succumb to its materialistic views suffer spiritual destruction. (1Timothy 6:20, 21)As we boldly declare the Kingdom message, we do not fear any of our enemies, for Jehovah is our Protector.- Psalm 64:1; Proverb 3:25, 26.

The psalmist continues: "A thousand will fall at your very side and ten thousand at your right hand; to you it will not come near. Only with your eyes will you look on and see the retribution itself of the wicked ones." (Psalm 91:7, 8) Because of failing to make Jehovah their refuge, many "fall" in spiritual death at our "very side." In effect, "ten thousand" have fallen at the "right hand" of today's spiritual Israelites. (Galatians 6:16) But whether we are anointed Christians or their dedicated companions, we are secure in God's secret place." We merely ' look on and see the retribution of the wicked.' who are reaping trouble in commercial, religious and other ways. - Galatians 6:7.

Next time: 'No Calamity Will Befall Us'