Monday, September 28, 2020

Pastor's Ponderings, September 28, 2020

We Will Not Fear

 

The first inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt as the 32nd President of the United States was held on Saturday, March 4, 1933.  The Great Depression began in 1929 and would continue until 1939.  During his address, he said, “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is...fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” 

 

Just like that terrible period in history, 2020 has been a terrible year for fear.  We are worried about getting COVID-19, job insecurity, general health problems, interpersonal relations, and growing national and international uncertainty.  We have seen and heard about man’s inhumanity to man, natural disasters, and the obvious effects of climate change.

 

However, the Bible tells us not to fear. We can trust in God because He said that He would cover us and protect us from deadly things (Psalm 91:2, 3).  Despite our hearing bad news constantly,  God tells us that we are not to fear bad things in the night or in the daylight. Even though others may fall, bad things will not come near us (Psalm 91:5-7).  

 

God did not promise us that we would not have trouble in our lives (Job 14:1) He promises to be with us in trouble because when we call upon Him, He will answer us (Psalm 91:15).   God promised to never leave us alone (Deuteronomy 31:6). Let us decide to believe His word and not fear. God is always with us.

 

Psalm 91:2, 3 

New International Version

2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.

 

Psalm 91:5-7

New International Version

5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

 

Job 14:1

New International Version

14 “Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble.

 

Psalm 91:15

New International Version

15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

 

Deuteronomy 31:6

New International Version

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”


 

 

 

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