Fear Not
Last week in Pastor's Ponderings, we talked about the Bible's encouragement, "Do Not Be Afraid." This week, let's continue that conversation because many people are facing fears and uncertainties every day. It's easy to understand why. We see troubling events in our nation and around the world. Government programs and protections are changing. Jobs are being cut. Services that many families depend on are being reduced. Sometimes it seems like decisions are being made that benefit a few while making life harder for many others. These realities can leave people feeling anxious about the future.
Beyond human decisions, we also face challenges that are completely outside our control. Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters remind us how quickly life can change. We have seen pandemics spread across the globe and diseases that continue to challenge medical experts. When we look at everything happening around us, it can be tempting to live in fear.
But God's Word points us in a different direction. The Bible reminds us not to put our ultimate trust in people because human beings are limited and imperfect (Psalm 146:3-4). Instead, we are called to place our confidence in God. He knows our future and has good plans for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). No matter how difficult the journey may become, God promises that He will never leave us or abandon us.
Jesus taught that we should not fear those who can only affect our physical lives (Matthew 10:28). Rather, we should stand in awe of God, who has all power and authority. He can keep us from falling and will one day present us before His presence with great joy (Jude 24-25).
God wants us to walk by faith, trusting that He will care for us. The enemy would like us to live in fear, worry, and despair, but God calls us to confidence and hope. As the Apostle Paul declared, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31).
Whatever challenges you may be facing today, remember this: you do not have to live in fear. God is with you. He is faithful. He is still in control. So, lift your head, trust in the Lord, and fear not. God is on your side.
Psalm 146:3, 4
New International Version
3 Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Jeremiah 29:11
King James Version
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Matthew 10:28
New International Version
28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Jude 24-25
New International Version
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—
25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Romans 8:31
New International Version
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
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