fear

Two features of our modern society are distrust and fear. We distrust the institutions that have long been the pillars of our society and we fear the next cultural land mine. The only way forward is to go back to the basics found in scripture.

The king of the universe cannot honor rebellion against his reign lest he deny his holiness and permit that which harms his subjects. He calls us to seek his glory because to do less would be idolatry on his part and ours. Conversely, when we enthrone him in our hearts and serve him with fear and reverence, we experience his best in and through our lives.

According to a recent poll published in Reason magazine, trust in American political parties is at a historic low. For the first time, more than 50 percent of the electorate now identifies as Independent, as opposed to Republican or Democrat.

Amid this tumultuous year, Isaiah 41:10, which encourages believers not to fear but to lean on God, was the Bible app YouVersion's most-searched Bible verse in 2020.

When we’re fearful we don't think properly. Our decisions can be damaging or even deadly. Panicking won’t solve our present situation; it just creates more distress. Fear is a feeling, but afraid is a choice. We can recognize this situation is challenging, but we need to focus on a faith-filled response.

It is very likely, if we are truly honest with ourselves, that we are all experiencing some level of fear. Whether concern for your health, the economy, the health of a loved one, or even anxiety about the changes and restrictions brought on through the daily official announcements – let’s be real – fear is real.

So, where do believers turn during this pandemic to find faith? What better place to turn than the Word of God?

The book of Revelation tends to make people nervous. There’s a lot in there that we can’t wrap our minds around. Consequently, Revelation is often read with some measure of fear and uncertainty. Alternatively, some Christians (including pastors!) ignore it altogether.

But at its core, Revelation is a book of hope that is extremely relevant to our lives today.

God wants you to trust Him. You might be saying, “I want to trust God but I don’t know how.”

Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith, it is impossible to trust God. So how do you walk by faith? I think God gives us three ways:

During difficult seasons we often ask, “Where is God?” The irony is that it often takes stormy seasons to turn us back toward safety. The COVID-19 virus is serious and I believe that God wants us to take this pandemic seriously and be concerned about the health and safety of others.

Americans are understandably afraid—afraid of the coronavirus, of its impact on our lives, of the unknown. But there are two ways to be afraid. One is negative and debilitating; the other is positive and transforming.