Overcoming Fear

In our day, there is much to be afraid of. There is economic instability. Many are out of work. Real estate values have plummeted. Inflation is around the corner. Gas prices are almost $3.00 a gallon. Plus, there is the uncertainty of living in a fallen world. Just this past weekend a senseless act of gun violence took the lives of six people and wounded many more. How can we overcome the fear that comes knocking at our door with facts, i.e. reasons to be afraid? The opposite of fear is faith. Faith is believing what God says about the situation and fear is believing what evil says about the situation. It again comes down to our choice. Who or what are we going to believe about the situation?

This is not about denying reality. I do not deny sickness, disease, poverty, lack and violence. However, I do believe in a higher reality. Jeremiah 17:5-6 say: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart turns away from YHVH (LORD). For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and not see when good comes, and shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, a salt land that is not inhabited." These verses describe the person who looks to man to solve all the problems and be the protector. He looks to others to meet his needs. The Word says you are cursed, because you have not trusted in God. Verses 7-8 say: "Blessed is the man who trusts in YHVH, and whose trust is YHVH. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and does not see when heat comes. And his leaf shall be green, and in the year of drought he is not anxious, nor does he cease from yielding fruit.

Let us compare the two people:

1. The man who trusts in man
a. He is in a dry desert with no water. If he stays here too long he will die.
b. He does not even see good when it comes. This person is so negative. Everything is falling apart to this person. He is difficult to be around.
c. He inhabits the wilderness in despair.

2. The man who trusts in YHVH
a. He is planted by the river. There is water. He is alive and refreshed. He has a bounce in his step. He is not afraid.
b. He does see heat when it comes. He is protected from the heat that could kill.
c. His leaf is green. He is alive and full of energy. He cannot be stopped. He is fully equipped for whatever task he undertakes.
d. He is not anxious. He can sleep at night. He is not afraid of tomorrow. He embraces each new day as an opportunity to be present with YHVH.
f. He continually yields fruit. He is productive. While others may be failing around him, he is a success.

So, which one looks good to you?