I Am Afraid
I admit it. I have fears. Unreasonable, illogical, unnecessary fears. I wish I didn’t. I want to be “that person”, “that Christian” who fears nothing. Yet I am afraid.
How many times have I heard these verse?
“Fear not, for I am with you;” Isaiah 41:10a
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.” Psalm 118:6
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;” Psalm 23:4a
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1
Today I find myself scrubbing my hands, looking for hand sanitizer and concerned about every surface I touch.
Today my mind wondered to all the “what ifs” of the day.
Today I read the news, listened to conversations on the radio, chatted with customers and co-workers.
The messages I heard very different. The news would have us all batten down the hatches, hide away and stay 6 feet or more from anyone we see. Customers and co-workers worry about if they will be quarantined if they or their children are caught sneezing or think feel a slight chill.
The local Christian radio station however had a different perspective. They quoted again and again a Christian artist they had interviewed today. He was about to embark on a tour and he had all intentions of doing just what the media is telling us not to do – mingle with people. He excitedly explained he was turning 100% to Christ and doing just what Christ did when He walked this earth. Jesus didn’t walk away from the sick. Jesus didn’t hide away from them. Instead He touched them. He interacted with them. He loved them.
What would my day look like if I stopped toting around my fear? Instead, what if I took with me all the verses I have heard as well as the inspiration of loving the sick like Jesus?
I could:
share my confidence with everyone I meet.
focus on others instead of myself.
communicate my trust is in Jesus.
be encouraging instead of worrisome.
relax!
What could you do with the above verses as your guide during crisis?
How can you demonstrate trust over fear in the days ahead?
How about praying and giving thanks instead of fearing.
The Apostle Paul tells us to do exactly this in Philippians 4:6-7, “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.”
Go, pray and give thanks.
Do not be afraid.
JW