People are trapped by their fear of others; those who trust in the Lord are secure. (Proverbs 29:25 CEB)
As I commuted to the hospital this morning, the podcast I was listening to got me thinking about fear in the life of a Christian.
I can’t deny that the rapid changes in our culture, along with present international conflicts provide ample fuel for fear. I confess there are times when I too fear what the future may bring.
However, my concern rests with how many Christians spend much of their time marinating in fear. The phenomenon of cucumbers becoming pickles is all about the brine. Don’t get me wrong I love pickles, but when Christians spend too much time marinating in fear, like cucumbers they are likely to be changed.
This proverb is a good reminder for us that if we aren’t paying attention, we can become trapped by fear. As the proverb points out, in many cases our fear is rooted in the fear of other people.
Too often our news outlets play on this fear of others. I am trying to pay closer attention to these negative narratives. Too often the news focuses only on the negative things going on around us, when realistically there are many good things happening that are simply ignored by the news. It is for this reason these days I spend a lot less time listening to the news. I’m also exploring alternative news outlets such as https://www.thepourover.org/
The bible is full of reminders for believers to not live a life of fear, below is just a sampling:
- Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9)
- I will fear no evil (Psalm 23:4)
- He delivered me from my fears (Psalm 34:4-8)
- Do not fear; I am with you (Isaiah 41:8-10)
- Worrying won’t add a moment to your life (Matthew 6:26-27)
- Do not be afraid, Zechariah (Luke 1:121-14)
- Do not be afraid, Mary (Luke 1:29-31)
- There is no fear in love (1 John 4:16-18)
Jesus calls us to continually be marinating not in fear, but in love. In 1 John 4:18 we are reminded, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear expects punishment. The person who is afraid has not been made perfect in love.”
I believe those who strive to continually marinate in God’s love will begin to see the world with different eyes. These new eyes can see all that is changing around us, and instead of responding with fear, we can respond with love. As 1 John continues, “We love because God first loved us.”
To some this may all sound Pollyanna-ish or overly optimistic, but I am persuaded that Christ’s love is able to “protect what he has placed in my trust until that day” (2 Timothy 1:12).
May they know that we are Christians not by our fear, but by our love (John 13:35).
I invite you to pray with me:
Lord Jesus, I confess that sometimes I am overcome with fear,
I am afraid of the changes I see in the world around me.
At times, I am afraid of those people who are different than me.
Help me to find ways to marinate in your love.
Help me to see the world, my neighbor, my church, and my family with the eyes of your love.
Remind me that we are secure when we trust in you.
Help me to trust that perfect love, your love, can defeat fear once and for all.
Amen.
You are loved,
Pastor Shawn