Fear Not

 

I work in a town which has experienced the following:

    -    One shooting every month so far in 2013.
    -    Hurricane Sandy coming through causing widespread damage and economic impact.
    -    One in 16 residents being a victim of violence in 2011.
    -    55 shootings in 2012 with twelve people being killed.
    -    1,700 guns turned in during a recent community 'Gun Buy Back' program.

All of this and more can cause people to be afraid and cautious of one another.

Fear brought on by differences - economics, race, and culture.

Fear brought on by an uncertain future.

Fear brought on by a lack of hope.

Fear caused by little to no return on significant investments.

Fear caused by lack of trust in leadership to carry out promises made.

So, what is our response to fear?

    -    Well, we could act like a turtle, and cover our head and hide.

    -    We could run away and find another place to go.
    -    We could throw our hands up in despair and be fatalistic about our outcome.
    -    Or we could turn to One who is greater than the source of our fear.

There is a story in the Scriptures about a group of men in a boat sailing across a sea.  While they were sailing, a furious storm came up and threatened to swamp the boat.  These experienced seamen panicked and looked toward their leader, Jesus.  Well, before they could speak to him, they had to wake him up.  He had been asleep...in a storm.  How could he do that?  How could he be snoozing when others were screaming?  How could he be dreaming when others were bailing?  How could he be at peace when others were in the grip of fear?  It was because he knew the One who controlled the storm.

When we find One bigger than the gangs, our fear is replaced with calm.

When we find One more competent than our leaders, our hope rises and fear leaves.

When we find the One in control of the fearful circumstances then we can rest, even while those circumstances are swirling around us.

Is there One like this?  Yes.  The Scriptures say, "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?"

Over and over, we are instructed to fear not.  Why? 

Because God is with us. He will never leave us alone.  God is watching us.  God is stronger than any enemy of this world.  We need to trust in Him.  This is not easy.  We tend to believe what we see - the violence, the apparent victory of evil over good, and so on.  But, we only see a small portion of the entire picture.  Let us trust God, who sees the beginning and the end.  And when we are tempted to be paralyzed by fear, let us trust.  It is worth it.

Written by Major Cheriann Stoops

Asbury Park Corps Officer