“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (I John 4:18, NKJV)
The morning news is really not the best way for me to start my day. A constant stream of gloom and doom pours out of the radio as I prepare breakfast. I hear about crime, terrorism, disasters, stock market upheavals, and dire predictions about the future. This week’s fear-producing word seems to be pandemic. Before I realize what is happening, my mind fills with anxiety and what if’s.
I am not a politician, and I do not have answers for all the world’s problems. But I do have the answer on how to face those problems. It may sound simplistic to many, and they may feel I am burying my head in the sand. But here is my solution summed up in two words:
Trust God.
We can fill our minds with fear, or we can fill our minds with faith in an unchangeable, all-powerful God. Yes, there will still be crime on the streets. Yes, we will still experience natural disasters. And yes, we may lose part of our retirement as the stock market plunges. But we can also declare as King David, “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread” (Psalm 37:25, NKJV).
First John 4:18 tells us that “fear involves torment.” It can twist like a knife inside us. We can fret and worry, allowing it to destroy our peace of mind, or we can release it to God. The same verse says, “Perfect love casts out fear.” The only perfect love is God’s. The more of Him we have in our lives, the closer we draw to Him, the less room there is for fear.
The enemy of our soul would love for fear to overwhelm us and steal our peace. If he can keep us off balance and doubting God’s love, he is delighted. Be aware of his tactics and do not allow fear to take root. Fill your mind with the Word of God. Claim its promises and refuse to be bound by fear.
When the morning news talks about coronavirus, terrorism, earthquakes, or a failing economy, I do not need to give in to fear. Whatever happens in my life—and things will happen—I can rest assured that God is in control. He promised to never leave me or forsake me, and I believe Him.
“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You” (Psalm 56:3, NKJV).
Prayer: Lord, as I fill my mind with Your Word, still my fearful thoughts and let faith grow in my heart. I recognize that You are in control of my life and are the source of my peace. I can trust You regardless of whatever life may bring my way.
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