3:302 – Be Afraid of Everything

#faithbites #faithjourney everything

In a recent scroll of the news and social media, I’ve been told to be afraid of the following: COVID-19, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Communism, the flu, the election, racists, anti-Semites, the police, immigrants, my neighbors, terrorists, Chinese, Muslims, computer hackers, Amy Coney Barrett, abortion, planned parenthood, non-american made goods, GMO foods, and the list goes on and on. We are inundated everyday with messages to tell us to fear our neighbors, our government, our enemies, and everything in between.

Where does it stop if we are afraid of everything? And what does that even mean? I can not want something to happen and not be afraid of it, but others may call it fear. It seems to be part of the cycle of “If You Don’t Agree with me 100%, You are Evil”. This needs to change. On days like today, when I am having a hard time with the world, I look to God’s word for solace.

Scripture

• Isaiah 41:13 – For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
• Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
• 2 Timothy 1:7 – For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Reflection

If the creator of the universe is on my side AND my soul is redeemed through Christ, whom shall I fear? I know it’s easier said than done and that’s part of the #faithjourney we are all on.

Our verses show us that God is on our side, holding our hand, and commanding us to be strong and courageous. The reason, and this my opinion only, that we are told to be so afraid is that we are not using our spirit in power, love, and self-control. If we are afraid, it’s easy to try to get others to be afraid with us. When we are unsure, misery loves company. It goes beyond that, if we are unsure, sometimes we try to bolster our opinions ot make others doubt their own. This is not love and understanding.

Yes, there are evil forces in the world. Yes, COVID and many of the others in the list are things we need to band together to fight, but we can do that with strength, love, understanding, and community. Fear, doesn’t make us strong. Faith in God and following his commandments do.

I’m very worried about our country for a variety of issues. I’m trying not to be afraid because the Lord tells me not to be . It’s a battle between my heart and head. How is your battle going?

“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

Challenge

How are you balancing the fear of everything that is being projected on you? What strategies are you using to help yourself that you can share with others? This challenge is to share what you are doing and seek God to make those practices stick.

Prayer

Father God, you tell us not to be afraid that you are with us and upholding us. Let us feel your presence. For many, this is a very unsettling time. Even those who seem to be strong are feeling it. We need the peace that only you can provide. Help us to nor fear everything but to love everyone as you’ve commanded. We turn all of this over to you, Lord. In your name, we pray, Amen.