Are You Afraid?

“Linda, we need to warn the people. The future economic repercussions that face us will be severe. We’re talking bread lines and things not seen since the Great Depression. This is serious!,” said my friend who works in the financial sector.  

I assured her that Reen and I have heard these forecasts as well, and warned friends and family for several years of a possible economic downturn due to whispers we were already hearing among real estate professionals long before COVID. We did so though, not out of fear, but hoping we might all take steps to be prepared.

So should be afraid? As I write this, I think about human fears.  It is our human nature to fear…particularly the unknown. But this is not the natural protective fear God places within us to keep us safe…the fear of crossing the street before an oncoming car or touching a hot flame.

Fears of economic downturn and random violence are not fears that protect. And for these fears and truly, all fears, there is something far more important to remember.

There is Someone greater than this world…One we can trust, who knows the count of every hair on our head and loves us with an everlasting love.  We belong to a God who tells us we do not need to fear.  “In this world you will have tribulation, but don’t be afraid. I have overcome the world,” Jesus promises. He assures us that when we believe, He is with us and for us, and will never leave us.

It is time to act on this belief and comfort those tossed and torn by the uncertainly of these times.  

We read and believe the truth found in David’s Psalms, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for you are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

We hear Jesus’ words, “Fear not for I am with you always, even until the end of the age.”

And we can repeat together, “The Lord is my light and my salvation, Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?”

Are you afraid? Ask God to replace your fear with His supernatural peace that passes all understanding. This piece is His promise when you offer Him all your concerns in petitions and prayers with thanksgiving. You can trust Him to handle whatever you face. He will.

The Psalmist David cries out, ”I love you, O Lord, my strength.” And Paul reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

Repeat these words aloud throughout the day and believe. Before you know it, your fear will be replaced with a trust in Jesus that offers a peace and rest that supersedes every human fear. It is a supernatural peace only God can promise…a promise you can trust Him to keep.