Don’t Be Afraid, but Trust in the Lord
It’s a scary world we live in! Danger is all around us. Mass shootings at schools, shopping malls, workplaces, and dance studios are becoming a common occurrence. As I contemplate the imminent causes of fear in this generation, I think about these menacing threats and how they have affected the precariousness of life; nothing seems “safe” anymore.
Then there is extreme weather: floods, earthquakes, fires, mudslides and more. There was a prediction in the late ‘60’s about California dropping into the Pacific Ocean, and today it almost seems like this prediction will be true!
Yes we have a lot to be afraid of, BUT then there is GOD! None of these events surprise GOD, nor should these events surprise those who know and trust Him. Jesus warned us in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 that all these things will happen before He returns as mighty King. He told His disciples that the day and the hour when He returns is unknown, only the Father knows! But He also told them, and us, to “Be on guard! Be alert!…[we] do not know when [He] will come back…do not let him find you sleeping…Watch!” (Mk 13:32-37).
So the question is, how should we keep watch? Avidly watching news shows will only add to the fear and worry; certainly that’s not the way to watch according to Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34. Yet, we must be prepared to fight against these powers of fear and doubt. King David said in Psalm 119:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Prayer is our avenue to God’s power and strength through the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, may I suggest a way in which we might “hide His word” in our hearts by pondering on His words of courage so we will not fear. Consider singing the words of songs, especially those found in scripture, like Psalm 27:
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?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes,
Came upon me to eat of my flesh, they stumbled and fell!
If we are convinced that our GOD is an awesome GOD and He is able to “keep that which [we’ve] committed” to Him for the day of His return, then we, too will be able to join the psalmist who wrote:
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people both now and forevermore. —Psalm 125:1-2 (NIV)
—Robin Miyashiro