FIGHT OR FLIGHT

FIGHT OR FLIGHT

We always have a choice.  We can either run from something—or to it.  We run from something because we think that it will grant us greater peace, while the thought of running to it brings thoughts of dread.  Facing your fears can be a good thing—we’re occasionally shown that in Hollywood, and see it in psychology as well.

By Hollywood, I mean without question one of the greatest television programs of all time, The Andy Griffith Show.  One episode in particular has young Opie unsuccessfully trying to avoid bully Sheldon, who winds up taking his milk money away on a daily basis—that is, of course, until the red-headed lad of fame decides to confront his abuser.  Yes, he takes a punch or two, and winds up looking like Mother Nature’s raccoon, but then he also lights into him, "like a windmill in a hurricane”, and gets his victory.  And what gave him confidence to face that abuser—the wisdom of his father.

Another TAGS episode has this same “father” helping in a somewhat different way.  Once he learned that cousin Barney was terrified of a scofflaw that threatened his life, Andy went over to the dojo where he knew his partner was taking Judo training.  When he realized that Barney wouldn’t stand a chance in a confrontation with his foe, the Sheriff came up with a plan, and arranged things so that the Judo instructor--dressed like Barney--would walk into a “trap” set by the thug—who wound up taking a serious thrashing.  Barney finally screws up the courage to talk to his tormentor, and much to his surprise and delight, the scumbag runs away, resulting in a newfound sense of confidence for “fearless Fife”.

And by psychology, I mean systematic desensitization therapy.  In a nutshell, this involves the terrified patient eventually overcoming whatever phobias he/she may have by first learning how to relax, and then applying that relaxation in the midst of anguish that goes from barely perceptible to knock down, drag out terror.

A friend of mine with a Master’s Degree in Psychology once told me what he perceived to be the difference between psychology and God: “Psychology helps you to cope.  God gives you the victory.”

Thanks, Chuck.

So, why this discussion?  Psalm 11 starts out with others attempting to intimidate its author, yet in light of his own experiences—in light of what he knows about God—David sees the absurdity of their efforts, educating the enemy (while reminding God) of what the universe’s Creator has in store for them.  With God’s help, the psalmist turns the “fearful” into the “fearing”, and with God's help, so can you.

b(Les)sings

Psalm 11

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

 ¹ In the LORD I put my trust;
         How can you say to my soul,
         “Flee as a bird to your mountain”?
 ² For look! The wicked bend their bow,
         They make ready their arrow on the string,
         That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.
 ³ If the foundations are destroyed,
         What can the righteous do?
      
 ⁴ The LORD is in His holy temple,
         The LORD’s throne is in heaven;
         His eyes behold,
         His eyelids test the sons of men.
 ⁵ The LORD tests the righteous,
         But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
 ⁶ Upon the wicked He will rain coals;
         Fire and brimstone and a burning wind
         Shall be the portion of their cup.
      
 ⁷ For the LORD is righteous,
         He loves righteousness;
         His countenance beholds the upright.^[a]

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 11:7 Or The upright beholds His countenance