Do not be afraid...
- Deuteronomy 31.6
There is so much fear everywhere. It surrounds us. There’s fear of disease; fear of money problems; fear of relationships; fear of job loss. I could go on and on. We are such a fearful culture, and really even a fearful world. Our fear actually leads to poor heath and even disease.
We spend so much time and energy on fear. In talking about fear, I once heard someone speak to how unreasonable fear is. He said that we spend so much time fearing things that probably won’t even happen. If you really think about it, that’s true.
So why do we fear?
I believe it comes down to hope and trust. Where do you place your hope? Where do you place your trust? Is it in you and your abilities? When I fear the most, I have typically placed my hope and trust in myself.
What’s wrong with placing your hope and trust in yourself?
You can be the smartest, strongest, most talented person alive, and if you place your hope and trust in yourself, you will fear. Why? Because no matter how talented you are, there are things beyond your control. And if the situation is out of your control, it doesn’t matter how talented or smart you are.
So where do we place our hope and trust that won’t ultimately end in fear? We place it in the Lord. In a do-it-yourself, self-confident, independent society, this is completely counter-cultural. Giving up our hope and trust means surrendering the control we think we have, and that is probably considered crazy by most. But that is what the Lord calls us to do.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
- Proverbs 3.5
Lean not on your own understanding? That sounds crazy. We’re taught by our culture that if you work hard and use your talents and maybe do some good, things will (or should) work out for you. But God says that’s not the case.
God wants to take our fears off of our shoulders. He wants to free us of the burden of control and fear. God knows how hard it is to give up our control, and to give Him our trust, so He promises something in return.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4.6-7
Peace. That’s a rare word in today’s culture, but what a comforting word. I don’t think anyone – regardless of belief, background, or circumstances – doesn’t like the thought of peace.
As follower of Christ, I know the peace that comes in giving Him control and trusting in Him. I also know the pain, anxiety, and turmoil that results in clinging tightly to control that will ultimately elude me. I prefer peace.
True, lasting peace only comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ. It begins with recognition of our sin and our need for forgiveness that can only be met in Him. Beginning a relationship with Christ is easy, but is the most important decision you will ever make. Jesus says He is the only way to the Father, and it is only by relinquishing control that we can know His peace.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
- John 14.27
