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Week Three:
Fear Not - How to Stop Feeding Fear:
Fear is the element that grabs our attention, however, it gets us eqipped and prepared to fight or flee. Whether we mask our fear with masquerad bravado or sneak away to seek refuge, it can have a powerful effect on our thinking, decisions and actions. A healthy fear can keep us from harm. But too often fear keeps us from doing what we want or need to do under healthy circumstances. Sometimes it provokes us into wrong or dangerous responses. Biblically speaking, fear can contribute to obeying or disobeying the Word of God, the voice of God or the commands God.Why does fear seem so pervasive in society today, and what can we do to control it? Increasing troubles in the world and our neighborhoods can make us feel like we are living in a fear zone. Some high-profile dangers we tend to overplay (like fear of sharks, flying and mass shootings), while other much more common killers we tend to downplay (like auto accidents and germs). Many of the things we fear never happen to us, and even when they do, all our anxieties and worries generally have done nothing to protect us. The Bible does not minimize many of the things we fear. In fact, it shows that the world will become more dangerous and frightening as the end times approach. But it also shows how we can deal with our fears, both the good and the bad.“Why should I fear in the days of evil,When the iniquity at my heels surrounds me? Those who trust in their wealthAnd boast in the multitude of their riches, None of them can by any means redeem his brother,Nor give to God a ransom for him—For the redemption of their souls is costly, And it shall cease forever—That he should continue to live eternally, And not see the Pit” Psalm 49:5-9 (NKJV). Another wave of worry includes the negative impact on the economy and how this will affect the average person. It’s not just in this situation, but any type of crisis is usually noticed in the markets. In times like these, we are reminded that wealth is vulnerable to loss, and many people all over the world are aware that their life savings are more vulnerable than they want to admit.
Fear Not - How to Overcome It:
The Bible does promote an exceptional fear, which is a reasonable fear that actually allows us to eradicate all the deceptive and destructive fears. This healthy awe and respect for our Creator puts us on the path to spiritual knowledge and wisdom.“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,But fools despise wisdom and instruction” Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV). Our temperament and experiences can contribute to the unique set of phobias and fearful feelings we have. Traumatic events early in life can etch pathways of fear into our brains. Feelings of insecurity can intensify natural human tendencies, like the common fear of public speaking. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever” Psalm 111:10 (NKJV. Experts often suggest fighting irrational fears and phobias with education to change our thinking and practice dealing with the anxiety-producing situations. The Bible instructs God’s people many times to “fear not.” God does not want us to be debilitated by fear. We can ask God for His strength and peace. The apostle Paul, no stranger to fears himself. “For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears” 2 Corinthians 7:5 (NKJV). He also gave this advice and reassurance in how God will keep us in the midst of adversity. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ” Philippians 4:6-7(NKJV). Our trust in God is based on His promises and His faithfulness. The Faith Chapter, Hebrews 11, is full of stories of men and women who grew to believe that God would do exactly what He promised. Their trust in the faithful God helped them face their fears and act in faith. It helped them wait patiently and courageously endure terrifying trials. When we are overwhelmed with fear and feel as if the walls are closing in on us, we can know that God is with us and will always take care of us. Yielding ourselves into his care is a deliberate act. Inviting Christ to become our Lord means submitting ourselves completely under his authority, wisdom and mercy, as we are directed by his will alone. We cannot always control what is happening on the outside, but we can control how we react on the inside. In this light, it is our choice to stand on faith or fear.
Living on Purpose - Fear and Faith are Choices:
Fear and anxiety are negative byproducts of modern life that, unfortunately, attempt to influence us every day. Our jobs are often stressful, our relationships and finances, and even our children struggle with social pressures we hardly faced when we were their age. Some people turn to natural remedies, while others find relief in meditation, but there is even better news that can give us peace in this troubled world. The Bible remains an unfailing source of hope and comfort in the seasons when we are discouraged and perplexed.“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed,And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled,Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah” Psalm 46:1-3 (NKJV). This texts declares that even in the darkest times, we can stand strong in the light of God's confidence because we are trusting that his promises are true. Therefore, we will not have doubt nor fret when we have to face certain tests and trials. The new coronavirus has become the topic of the news, and no doubt this is a serious situation. There is nothing wrong with being cautious if we can prevent our emotions from leading us into fear. Whenever anyone’s life is in danger, we are called to pray and ask God to please stop the destruction, and this is certainly the time to do that. On our spiritual journey we must never forget our foundational fear of the Lord, our reverence for Him and our recognition of our dependence on Him. This proper perspective should lead to appreciation and praise, and also a deeper love of the God who has given us everything we have and ever will receive.
People are sick and dying, losing their jobs, isolated and full of fear. It’s possible that this is the very hour for the church to rise up in faith and shine. That means you. You have not been given a spirit of fear but of love, of power, and of a sound mind. Now is the time for God to transform the world through His people. Here are several things to do maintain and sustain your faith during this crisis.
1) Keep a positive attitude, reflecting on God's promises. We are to praise Jesus in all things and in all circumstances.
2) Surrender your circumstances to God. It can be so easy to get upset and shake our fists at Him when things aren’t going right. Instead, ask Him for help and to change your circumstances. Let Him take the wheel and trust what He is going to do.
3) Be generous. The Bible says even in times of trouble, we are to give. It seems counterintuitive when you are struggling to keep your head above water. However, in giving and blessing someone else, you are blessing yourself too. God loves a cheerful giver.
4) Spend more time in the Word. This will help keep you grounded and not going in another direction due to confusion or desperation. 5) Reach out to friends and family. One of the best things to do in hard times is to draw close to those who love you most. Being connected to others is essential. Having faith means we are part of a covenant body of believers, a family of brothers and sisters united in Jesus Christ. The truest act of faith, which is made possible by God’s gift of grace to us, is complete trust in the Lord through every circumstance, even when we do not understand why something is happening or not happening. The antidote to the coronavirus, both the spread of the sickness and the spread of fear, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV). The Holy Spirit is alive in us, and His gifts are power, love and a sound mind. To many, their wealth is their security, and they cannot fathom the thought of losing what they are depending on. But may we remember that God is our ultimate security, and even though his people live in this world, we are citizens of heaven. What an encouragement to know this temporary life is not all there is. When we truly believe that his eye is watching us even more than the tiny sparrow, we will learn to stop doubting his desire or ability to deliver us. Let’s remember that God loves us and wants everyone to understand and believe that he is who he says he is.