“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:1 NIV
Fear and worry are undergirded by our lack of knowledge and control. Our inability to know what will happen next and our helplessness to control the future leaves the door wide open for fear.
When I started seminary, I spent a month trying to sell homeowner alarm systems. I perfected the pitch, but was horrible at the close needed for the person to sign on the line. The management was getting frustrated that I was wasting good leads.
I turned up the heat on the last couple I met with – i quit after this. I painted a picture of disasters that could happen, like fires. As I created the sense of urgency and fear, the couple were physically huddled together. Adding to the pressure of the moment, they knew they could not afford the system. To my shame, I left them unsettled. As I told my managers, they felt so bad, they wanted to give the couple a system. I never wanted to instill fear again in people…so I quit.
There is so much happening today to bring fear in our lives. In the news last night, they told about a couple whose husband was killed while they stopped to help someone who broke down on the side of the road. The tag was “be careful, and don’t stop to help”.
I remember one of my translators from Colombia was afraid to visit the USA after Hurricane Katrina. Why? The news was reporting of looting and violence. She had never been to the USA. She thought the violence was like that everywhere in our country. I chuckled at my thoughts of people who were afraid of going to Colombia because of their drugs and kidnappings. Fear of the unknown and lack of controlling our future cause us to withdraw.
Jesus said that comfort is found in a trusting, believing faith in Him. We can and should be diligent to prepare for good outcomes. We perform good maintenance on our cars, we save money for future needs, we carry the proper insurance for our families, and we take care of our physical bodies. BUT a deep trust in God for the next moments (which continue throughout our lifetime) of our lives brings peace, no matter what may come.
Jesus is faithful to lean upon. Cast your cares upon Him, because He cares for you. He is a rock which cannot and will not be moved from you. Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Jesus walks with you in the storm and has authority to calm the storm. Jesus has the name higher than any other name, by which we are saved.
am i fearful and worried? No longer. I AM trusting-believing in Jesus. He is the author (the one who writes my story) and the finisher (victory has already been won) of my faith in Him.
May you remind yourself that believing in Jesus and listening to His Spirit brings comfort, boldness and peace to face the unknown future – even your unknown future. His words are true and life.
Blessings, Love y’all
What a great reminder of the paralyzing effect of fear. John 14:1 rings in my ears when I read, hear, and watch the fear mongering headlines in the news today. May our hearts not be troubled today!