Welcome to the Paul Tripp podcast, where pastor and best-selling author Paul David Tripp connects the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life.

On the first day of each month, we release grace and knowledge, a more in-depth article from Paul that allows him to expand on biblical truths beyond his weekly Wednesday's word.

Our prayer is that this resource helps you grow in the grace and

knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity.

Amen. 2. Peter 318. In this month's grace and knowledge, Paul reminds us that while fear is a natural

part of life in a broken world, our hearts must be ruled not by fear of our circumstances,

but by a greater, hope-filled fear of God, trusting His power, presence, and grace in every moment.

Here's this month's grace and knowledge.

This side of eternity, there are legitimate reasons to fear. If a child falls downstairs or runs into the street, fear is what triggers our instinct

to run and rescue.

If we find ourselves in a dangerous situation at risk of being attacked or robbed, fears

what causes our heart to race and our brain to look for ways to escape. If we start

to experience concerning physical symptoms, we fear the potential life-changing disease a doctor might

discover. God has hardwired these reactions inside of us, and fear can often be an appropriate

response to the dangers of life in a broken world. But because we are functional worshippers,

there's always a more

significant and underlying issue. Does fear rule our hearts? Let me provide the practical

application of this month's article and then unpack it. We must fight against fear

dominating the meditation of our hearts and controlling the lens through which we view life.

Meditating on fear or meditating on God.

There is a direct connection between what we meditate on and what we fear.

What we are afraid of will be directly influenced by where we focus the meditation of our heart.

...