A recent poll discovered that 79.6% of Americans live in fear. Let’s see what the Word of God says about fear:
Fear of Illness, Including Covid-19
Our Lord promises to be with us through it all. He didn’t promise to do away with suffering, but TO FILL IT WITH HIS PRESENCE. You are praying for Uncle Charlie to be healed from cancer. Good, but perhaps it is only through cancer that Uncle Charlie will surrender his life to our Lord. The World Health Organization has conceded that the COVID-19 virus has a 99% survival rate. For comparison, smallpox had a 30% fatality rate during the first half of the 20th century.
Fear of Poverty
Do you think that the Lord, who knows every hair on our head, does not know of our need? Our Lord provided for the children of Israel for 40 years in the desert, and He will provide for His children in times of want.
Fear of Loss of Loved Ones
God promises to be with us through all of our trials, and loves us more than we can possibly imagine. But we will not know His love if we don’t spend any time with Him, in His Word, in worship, and with our fellow believers.
Fear of Death – the ultimate fear, because sooner or later, death catches up with everyone, regardless of wealth or social status.
Jesus conquered death, the ultimate enemy of our human life, at the cross and resurrection. One day each of us Christians will step into eternity, walking on streets of gold, celebrating with our loved ones that went on before us, and being in the presence of the sovereign, living God of the universe.
Fear of the Lord – the only legitimate fear for Christians.
Our Lord is the only thing we should fear, and it is a reverential respect and fear, a recognition of Who He is, that He is not just a God of love, but a God of righteousness, justice, and holiness, and that we can only come into His presence through Christ.
Finally, we can receive great comfort from Isaiah 43:1: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.”
Fear of Illness, Including Covid-19
Our Lord promises to be with us through it all. He didn’t promise to do away with suffering, but TO FILL IT WITH HIS PRESENCE. You are praying for Uncle Charlie to be healed from cancer. Good, but perhaps it is only through cancer that Uncle Charlie will surrender his life to our Lord. The World Health Organization has conceded that the COVID-19 virus has a 99% survival rate. For comparison, smallpox had a 30% fatality rate during the first half of the 20th century.
Fear of Poverty
Do you think that the Lord, who knows every hair on our head, does not know of our need? Our Lord provided for the children of Israel for 40 years in the desert, and He will provide for His children in times of want.
Fear of Loss of Loved Ones
God promises to be with us through all of our trials, and loves us more than we can possibly imagine. But we will not know His love if we don’t spend any time with Him, in His Word, in worship, and with our fellow believers.
Fear of Death – the ultimate fear, because sooner or later, death catches up with everyone, regardless of wealth or social status.
Jesus conquered death, the ultimate enemy of our human life, at the cross and resurrection. One day each of us Christians will step into eternity, walking on streets of gold, celebrating with our loved ones that went on before us, and being in the presence of the sovereign, living God of the universe.
Fear of the Lord – the only legitimate fear for Christians.
Our Lord is the only thing we should fear, and it is a reverential respect and fear, a recognition of Who He is, that He is not just a God of love, but a God of righteousness, justice, and holiness, and that we can only come into His presence through Christ.
Finally, we can receive great comfort from Isaiah 43:1: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.”
So let us go forth with boldness and courage, helping others overcome their fears, and witnessing the love and truth of our Lord to all He brings across our paths.
To God be the glory
Board of Evangelism