“The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.” – Psalm 118:14
This is certainly an usual season in our lives, isn’t it? Not only are we contending with an aggressive virus, but we also have disunity in our country that is propagated by our governing officials! As we slowly begin to emerge from a national quarantine, we are heading into a presidential election in which candidates are clearly on different sides of the fence. There is a crisis in our land, and people are afraid.
Fear is widespread on several fronts. First, there is still the fear of the coronavirus. Many still practice social distancing and wear masks, while others choose to ignore these recommendations, thereby causing the mask-wearers to be uncomfortable in public places. Secondly, as November 3rd draws near, there is the rising fear of which political party will be in control of America. One side fears a “socialistic-type” government, and the other side trembles in fear at the possibility of a more conservative government that will continue on for another four years.
There is a continued fear of civil unrest, distrust of law enforcement, and instability of our economy. There is fear that we will not be able to buy the things we want or get the medical care we need.
Fear is everywhere, and there is no real end in sight to these situations that generate fear in our hearts. So what do we do? How do we combat our fears? We eliminate our fears by remembering who God is, and what He can do. 1 John 4:8 and 16 remind us that God is love. In His great love, He has redeemed us (John 3:16), thus making us His own, and He promises to take care of us. 1 Peter 5:8 tell us we should be “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” We do this through prayer and Bible reading. Spending time with God helps alleviate fear when we share the with Him, and then allow Him to speak to our hearts through His Word.
When we remember that God loves us so much that He sacrificed His Son, Jesus, to have an eternal relationship with us, we can be assured that He will take care of us. Once we are convinced of His everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3), we can release any fears we have because we know that the God who gave His Son for us will most assuredly take care of us in any situation.
1 John 4:8 states, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” God’s love for us is that perfect love.
Regardless of what we awaken to on November 4th, we do not need to fear because God is the One who still controls all things. Nothing takes Him by surprise, and everything is always under His watchful eye. His will is what will be accomplished regardless of what humanity chooses to do. God cannot be thwarted. Take comfort in knowing that God’s plans will come to fruition no matter what happens, and He will take care of those who belong to Him.
If you find yourself becoming overanxious, take time to draw nearer to God. Read His Word and let it soak into your mind. Allow His Holy Spirit to bring to your remembrance those verses from the Bible that will soothe your spirit and strengthen your faith in Him. It is Jesus who holds tomorrow in His hand, and He will never fail you.
Earthly friends may prove untrue,
Doubts and fears assail;
One still loves and cares for you
One who will not fail.
In life’s dark and bitter hour,
Love will still prevail;
Trust His everlasting pow’r
Jesus will not fail
Jesus never fails, Jesus never fails,
Heav’n and earth may pass away,
But Jesus never fails.
(from “Jesus Never Fails” by A.A. Luther)
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isaiah 41:10
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No one cares for you like Jesus. Give Him your fears, and let Him give you His peace.