Fighting Fear

Seems for the past few months the main topic of discussion has revolved around fear.. fear of COVID-19, fear of unemployment and mounting bills, fear of racial tensions, fear of the unknown future... fear. I know that is seems like we have been discussing this a lot over the past few months, but it is an important topic as many people are feeling uneasy and unsure how to handle all the recent storms of life.

So how do we handle all this fear... this uncertainty... this apprehension... this worry? I don't believe that walking around singing "hakuna matata" is the answer. I think the answer is in the assurances of God's Word. And as Pastor Dave said in Sunday's sermon, the answer is in following God's map for the direction we should go. 

Another thought is that it is difficult to overcome fear if all we are doing is reading, watching, and listening to all the problems and issues in the world today. Keeping up on current events is fine, but constantly watching the news definitely does not do much to abate our fears and worries. Instead spend time reading, watching, and listening to things that uplift our spirits. Spend more time in God's Word. For the past few weeks I have been watching a show on TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) based on Max Lucado's sermon series, Fearless. These one hour shows have been excellent (especially if you are a Max Lucado fan) with a variety of speakers like Greg Laurie and Steven Furtick and musical guests like like Zack Williams, Bethel Music, and more. I recommend this program.

You can watch Fearless Part 1 HERE.

You can watch Fearless Part 2 HERE.

Fearless Part 3 just aired this last Friday. Watch the recording HERE.

Another interesting and relevant Lucado show on TBN about facing fear is Facing Giants. "The latest Goliath we face is not a 9 foot giant, but a virus."

Note:  You will need to sign up to access TBN on the internet, but it is free and they have a lot of good shows (both live and recorded) and older videos (like Billy Graham Crusades) to enjoy. So next time you want to watch something worthwhile and there is nothing on but reruns, check out these shows.

God tells us in Isiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" Remember this and you can proclaim the wisdom of the famous Alfred E. Nueman, "What, me worry?" Like it says in Matthew 6:34 "...do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." 

One final thought is that when people wonder why you are not afraid, not worrying... remember God's direction to us in 1 Peter 3:15 "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."