Our world is spinning out of control under the weightiest issues we have ever had to face in all of history. With increased wars and terrorism, disease epidemics, failing financial markets, rising unemployment, homelessness, natural disasters and climate changes, we are on the brink of a global meltdown. Truly we are entering the time of trouble that Jesus Christ warned of in Matt 24:21, "For then (the end time) shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." Amidst this backdrop, more and more people are losing hope and sinking into the depths of despair. Hate crimes are on the rise and many have abandoned even the most fundamental principles of humanity. The Apostle Paul wrote of these times in II Tim 3:1-4, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away".
There are multiple reasons to live in fear today and we witness the toll that fear has had on the human family. Millions of people suffer with major mental and emotional issues, resulting in an enormous rise in the use of drugs and alcohol. Many attempt to drown out their problems and fears through substance abuse, both legal and illegal. Sadly, all too many find suicide the only alternative.
The bible reveals the only way to overcome fear and every other negative emotion. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths", Proverbs 3:5-6. He is your creator and your heavenly Father. Surely you can trust him to take care of you. Think about it! Can you really put your trust in any other source? People die, stock markets crash, relationships fail, you can lose your job, illness can strike, a natural disaster can destroy your possessions. There is nothing and no one upon this earth that you can absolutely, one hundred percent put your trust in. II Cor 1:9 says we cannot trust in ourselves. I Tim 6:17 tells us we cannot trust in uncertain riches.
Why not try the one who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8), the one who came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10)? What have you got to lose? He can drive away our fears with his comforting words. He tells us there is no reason to worry about anything for he will always take care of us if we trust in him. Jesus tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these "things" (meaning the necessities of life), shall be added unto us, Matt 6:33. Read verses 25-34 where Jesus instructs us not to entertain any anxious thought about our needs, such as food or clothing. There is nothing to be gained by worry and stress. He knows we need those things and we can be assured that he will provide for those who put their faith and trust in him. He will take care of our today and our tomorrow as well. We are told in Heb 13:5 to be content with what we have, for he will never leave or forsake us. Paul tells us in I Tim 6:6-8, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content". Matt 7:7 says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you". The passage goes on to say that, if earthly fathers know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more so our heavenly Father? Heb 10:38 tells us, "Now the just shall live by faith...".
What is faith? Heb 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". Sometimes it may seem difficult to live by faith in God. We can't see him. We wonder if he sees our trials, if he hears us when we call out to him in the darkness of our lives. I can assure you that he does see and hear, but we must put our full trust in him. Oftentimes, the distractions of this world keep us so preoccupied that we have no time for him until we need him. We rather trust in the tangibles in our lives. You know what I mean......job, home, family, 401(k), education, the government (Lord help us!). Trusting in these only contributes to fear; the fear of losing them.
Proverbs 29:25 says, "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe". Proverbs 28:26 adds, "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered". Jeremiah 17:5 gives us a sober warning, "Thus saith the Lord, Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord". Verse 7 counters with, "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is".
I would be remiss though if I didn't tell you that trust must accompany obedience. Isa 59:1-2 warns, "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear". In order for God to hear our prayers, we must first humble ourselves before him and ask his forgiveness for our sins. II Chron 7:14 quotes our Lord, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land". Isa 1:18 encourages us with God's call, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool". James 4:10 says, Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up". I Pet 5:6-7 also says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you".
Mark 12:29-30 quotes Jesus as saying, "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment".
If we will submit ourselves fully to God, we have absolutely nothing to fear. He gives grace to the humble. He will help all who put their trust in him. Don't fret or lose hope if he doesn't answer immediately, though, because he always knows what is best. We must always trust in his timing and his wisdom. Read my article "Times & Seasons" for more insight into the subject of patience.
If you are truly placing all your hope and trust in God, and striving to live in obedience to his word, then "Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus", Phil 4:6-7.
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