Fear Not

The term “fear not” is found many times in the Bible. There are almost as many “fear not” statements as there are days in the year. I feel that each of these statements is there for me, because I am not a brave person. I am intimidated by others, terrified to speak in public, and afraid in dangerous situations.

In 1994, I was working in Zaire among Rwandan refugees. People were being slaughtered nightly; each morning, we walked among the bodies on the ground. In three terrifying days, 50,000 people died. I was afraid.

Recently, I awoke in the middle of the night worried for my country’s future with its abortions, debt, hopeless millions without employment, bad economy, and declining morality. How will we continue to support mission work around the world?

My wife, Margaret, often challenges my fears with a passage from I Peter: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:6-7, ESV). Fear and worry are sources of pride. We often think that by worrying we are somehow in charge when, in fact, only God can handle the terrible situations we face. Even in a dangerous, difficult, and sinful world, God will take care of His children.

So, dear friend, let’s do that today. Let’s cast our fears, anxieties, and worries on God because He cares for us.