New year, same fear

As another year is finished, and we begin a new one, instead of good cheer, we are often engulfed by fear.

Regardless of how favourable our circumstances may or may not be, nobody is immune to fear of the unknown. Whether globally or personally, no doubt this current year has brought struggle or pain in some way. What’s next? What war will start? What schemes will mankind conjure? How far down will society spiral on their immoral slope? What divisions will arise? How intense will persecution be for Christians? What loved one will I have to say goodbye to this year? What will my finances look like? What disaster will strike? What news will rock my world? What if I crumble, what if I’m alone, what if I lose everything? Fear is an uninvited but all too familiar guest that creeps in and puts us in a chokehold. It latches on like a parasite, sucking us of our devotion, trust and service. “Fear hath torment” (1 John 4:18).

How do we protect ourselves from this? Paul brings our focus to “whatsoever things are true”, and to “think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Most of our worries are simply “what-ifs” and are about things that are either not true, or at the very least not true yet. The devil is a liar and deceiver. Remember what is true! Focus on Christ, Who said “I am … the Truth” (John 14:6). With all the chaos and uncertainty that may take place in our lives (or even just in our minds, which is sometimes worse), we do have a certainty. In a way, as Christians, we face particular burdens that are unique to us, ones that those around us don’t have. Yet we must also remember, we have a resource that the rest of the world doesn’t have. We have a Saviour, who is our foundation and hope, and even if we don’t feel safe mentally, physically, or medically –we know we are secure spiritually.

Tomorrow brings uncertainty, and uncertainty causes fear. I recently heard Alisdair Baijal speaking about “tomorrow”. Christ was “exceeding sorrowful” as He anticipated tomorrow (Mark 14:34), and had every reason to fear what lay ahead. Brother Alisdair encouraged us that we will never have to face a “tomorrow” like His, and not only that, but because of the “tomorrow” He faced, our ultimate and eternal “tomorrow” will be glorious! Amidst all uncertainty, that is something that is certain! Calvary is the answer to every fear.

God’s Word constantly tells us to “fear not”. In my next article, Lord Willing, I hope to explore a handful of these examples and learn some lessons from them.

Until then, we can rest in Him, “the God of peace” (Hebrews 13:20), “the God of hope” (Romans 15:13), and “the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3), taking courage and confidence in His Sovereignty. Be assured that it is God’s desire that we would not be paralysed beyond usefulness for His service and glory. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).