Fear Not

I was driving with my husband yesterday having a conversation about the state of the world and trying to figure out how we got here, and he said something that stuck with me. "It's all about fear."

He's right. Everything we're experiencing right now in our political world is about fear, on both sides of the spectrum. From the right: Fear of terrorism. Fear of illegal immigration. Fear of violence. Fear of job losses. From the left: Fear of oppression. Fear of loss of human and civil rights. Fear of discrimination. And you know what? All of these things are scary and real. People on all sides worry that our country is getting worse, not better and, more importantly, that these changes will affect them.

So what's a Christian to do? Fear not, says the Lord. It's a theme that runs through the Bible from beginning to end. Do not be afraid. God is bigger than all this and God's got your back.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." (Psalm 23: 4)

Even as he was walking toward his death, Jesus made sure that he was leaving us with the Holy Spirit to be with us in times of uncertainty and fear. "All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, who the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14: 25-27)


Why is God compelled to reassure us again and again? Because the world is an inherently scary place.We have never, and will never, be free from threats to our lives, our security or our livelihoods.
That's the difference between our world and God's kingdom.

So.. fear not. Trust in God. Yes, BUT....

"Trusting in God" doesn't mean sitting back and letting the world crash in around us, waiting for the great hereafter. It doesn't mean throwing up our hands and letting the chips fall where they may. And it certainly doesn't mean letting others' rights get trampled upon as long as we're OK. It means striding forward with boldness, trying our best to transform this world into God's kingdom while knowing that God is with us, and that when we are secure in the knowledge of God's love and our salvation - we have nothing to fear. 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (2 Tim 1:7)

So whatever your cause is, dive in. Be on the side of righteousness. Be bold. Don't let your decisions be guided by fear. Let your decisions be guided by God.

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