“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

I always thought the word “navel-gazing” was funny and clever. And it is a really apt and descriptive word for American society. But we seem to go beyond self-absorption. We want other people to be absorbed by our (pretend) splendor as well. From selfie posts to influencer-as-career, we seem to crave attention and it’s all directed inwardly.

Where has this gotten us? Despair, depression, loneliness, suicides, isolation, desperation, confusion all seem to be plentiful, especially among those who navel-gaze and participate in our group navel-gazing the most. Attention is the wrong thing to be seeking.

So what’s the solution? David knew, and he describes it in today’s verse. If I stop looking in the mirror (or at my own navel) and look to God instead, I will have so much joy it will radiate from me! That sounds nice.

David also says God will rescue me from all my fears if I seek Him. Notice that he doesn’t say God will make all my problems disappear. They may stick around. I may still have the same overwhelming bills, the same broken relationships, the same chronic disease… but I won’t be afraid to face these problems anymore. And that means a lot. Fear is one of the devil’s favorite tools to stifle me, to keep me idle, unproductive, and self-absorbed. God rescues me from fear, taking fear right out of the devil’s toolbox. Without fear, I can trust that God loves me, He will protect me, He will give me strength to do what I need as I obey Him and love people.

But I won’t have this assurance if I stare at my navel all day, if I stare at my problems and worry. I need to look up, look out, look to see what jobs God has for me today, how I’m meant to love someone today with my radiant, unashamed face.

Dear God,

Thank you so much for rescuing me from fear that steals all my energy and creativity and resolve. Show me how you want me to be courageous today. Replace my fear with joy that radiates out from me to bring glory to you. Forgive me for worrying and wasting time and energy on things I know you will deal with if I look to you instead.