One of the most repeated commands in the Bible is to “fear not.” Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount not to worry about tomorrow. And Paul assured the Philippian Christians,
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
At the very same time, the Bible has a lot to say about caution and preparedness. The writer of Proverbs told us to see the ant as an example of storing away in summer the provisions we’ll need in winter. We’re to put on the armor of God and be ready for spiritual battle. And Jesus warned the Jewish people in Matthew 24 that Jerusalem would be besieged and to run far away from the city when the time came.
Everywhere we turn we see lots of crazy stuff happening in the world. From wars in Ukraine and now in Israel, to an uncertain economic season predicted for us in the U.S., we seem to be constantly reminded that life can be difficult and that the institutions we trust in (wealth, government, health, etc…) cannot protect us from these situations and the evil that is rampant in the world.
So, should you fear? Or fear not?
Should you worry about it? Or worry not?
Turning to God’s Word, the Bible, we see instructions to help us navigate these difficult times.
1st – Trust God – If we let it, fear will cripple us. Over and over in scripture, we read of crazy times (some like these; some much worse!). And over and over in scripture, we read to not be afraid. Let’s choose faith over fear.
2nd – Be Patient – It appears this will get worse before it gets better. We all need to have a long-term perspective. Like the Boy Scout’s motto: we need to Be Prepared.
3rd – Be Light – What an opportunity for us to be the Church that God has called us to be! We are to be salt and light. Let’s lean into one another and not isolate from one another. Remember the story of Jesus and the leper – how can we make a difference to those in need?
And 4th – or really 1st – Pray – Pray for the people and families that are affected by all of these hardships. Pray for all our brothers and sisters. Pray for our nation. Pray for the church, that revival will sweep across our nation. Above all, pray for God’s will. His good, pleasing, and perfect will. We serve a good and great God. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”