It has woven itself into my world. Fear. I know from talking with friends and coworkers they are confronting fear too. As I’m writing this on Sunday afternoon, November 1st I don’t know what Tuesday will bring. We are being told by politicians and media that if we vote one way our country will become Fascist, but if we vote the other way our country will become Socialist. Both sides claim God is on their side. Fear is an effective political weapon.
We face a pandemic. It is unlike anything any of us has experienced before. How many will die? Will the hospitals become overwhelmed? Will friends or members of my family get sick? Will I? Fear of illness or death can paralyze us.
We are in the middle of a drought, with dire predictions for this winter and possibly next winter too. Fire abounds in the mountains. What does it mean for the future of our fields and forests? Will fire come to Elbert County? Fear of nature makes me feel powerless
What will happen? The answer is obvious. I don’t know! You don’t know either!
We each have a choice to make. We can become paralyzed with fear, hide under the covers and wait for the rapture, or we can cry out to the Lord for help. Scripture is clear on this subject. By far the most common command in the Bible is “Do not fear” or “Do not be afraid.”
Amy Crumpton, (Learning How to live with purpose every day at PurposeDweller.com) has a different perspective on fear. I found it helpful. This excerpt begins with a prayer.
Jesus, I’m afraid. Apparently there is a “fear not” for each day of the year, but I need one for each minute, please. And since I’m a big scaredy cat, could you please teach me about fear so I don’t feel so dumpy?
This is what I heard.
Fear is a cause to pause. An invitation to stop and seek My way forward.
I thought about the circumstances in scripture when the Lord says, “fear not.” These are pivotal times when His people have paused to ask for direction and courage. They are taking big risks; facing their giants; going into battle; saying unpopular things; traveling into unchartered territory; being persecuted for their faith.
Their fear makes them stop and ask, “Lord, before we press on, is this really from You? And the Lord says to them (at least) 365 times, “Yes. It’s me.” Or more precisely, “Fear not, I am with you.”
…Fear can be a good thing – a cause for a pause, a prayer, a humbling of our hearts, a seeking of His will.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace that passes understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This morning, Frank and Donna Pinson performed a song that brought tears to my eyes. It was beautiful. It is entitled Fear Is A Liar. Here is the official music video by Zach Williams.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1srs1YoTVzs
The refrain says:
Oh, fear, he is a liar
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear, he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
‘Cause fear, he is a liar.
Let Your fire fall and cast out all my fears
Let Your fire fall Your love is all I feel.
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