The very last point of Jason’s insightful message on Israel this past Sunday was for us to not be alarmed. He reminded us that despite the state of world affairs, Jesus is still on His throne.
We are fragile people and when events blow up like they have the last ten days or so, we are easily overcome with apprehension and anxiety. During these times, we need to remind ourselves of some basic Biblical facts.
Fact one: Fear does not originate from God. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love and a sound mind. When the waves of doubt and uncertainly threaten to overwhelm us, we need to stand up and tell that person in the mirror that our fear comes from the enemy. Satan loves to see us distracted by the negative events swirling around our lives. He hates to hear us declare our confidence in Christ.
Fact two: Fear is a spiritual battle. It is not a primarily a war between people, but it is a war in the spiritual realm between God followers and Satan. Remember that the instruction of Ephesians 6 outlines the tools battle weary believers need to employ to ensure a victory.
You might notice that those items of warfare (a helmet, breastplate, sword, and shield) will effectively cover every part of a person’s body except his backside. If we cut and run, the back surface of our body is fully exposed to the wiles of our murderous enemy, and he exploits that at every turn.
Fact three: the battle hinges on our understanding of the character and sovereignty of almighty God. Fear distracts us from our relationship with Him and the truth that He is Lord of heaven and earth (see Matthew 11:25). He has urged us to put our eyes on Him and not our circumstances. God is good and His ways are perfect. He is in control of all things and will hide us under His wings if we avail ourselves of that protection.
God knows we are easily frightened, so the Bible gives us tons of reminders. We call those reminders the “fear nots” of scripture. Some have said that there are 365 of them—one for every day in the year. Others have identified 121 “fear nots” in the gospels alone. Christ gave a series of commands to His followers. Eight of them were to love God or our neighbor. But twenty-one of them were to “fear not.”
Unfortunately, most of us exist with a steady diet of “news.” And of course, there is nothing wrong with being informed. But our fears will only multiply as we consume broadcasts of doom and gloom.
So, instead, this week, let’s all try to put on the full armor of God and be prepared for spiritual battle. Knowing who wins the war is a great encouragement. If you need a quick refresher course in God’s plan for nations and people, peek at the last couple of chapters in Revelation.
“Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.”
We are fragile people and when events blow up like they have the last ten days or so, we are easily overcome with apprehension and anxiety. During these times, we need to remind ourselves of some basic Biblical facts.
Fact one: Fear does not originate from God. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love and a sound mind. When the waves of doubt and uncertainly threaten to overwhelm us, we need to stand up and tell that person in the mirror that our fear comes from the enemy. Satan loves to see us distracted by the negative events swirling around our lives. He hates to hear us declare our confidence in Christ.
Fact two: Fear is a spiritual battle. It is not a primarily a war between people, but it is a war in the spiritual realm between God followers and Satan. Remember that the instruction of Ephesians 6 outlines the tools battle weary believers need to employ to ensure a victory.
You might notice that those items of warfare (a helmet, breastplate, sword, and shield) will effectively cover every part of a person’s body except his backside. If we cut and run, the back surface of our body is fully exposed to the wiles of our murderous enemy, and he exploits that at every turn.
Fact three: the battle hinges on our understanding of the character and sovereignty of almighty God. Fear distracts us from our relationship with Him and the truth that He is Lord of heaven and earth (see Matthew 11:25). He has urged us to put our eyes on Him and not our circumstances. God is good and His ways are perfect. He is in control of all things and will hide us under His wings if we avail ourselves of that protection.
God knows we are easily frightened, so the Bible gives us tons of reminders. We call those reminders the “fear nots” of scripture. Some have said that there are 365 of them—one for every day in the year. Others have identified 121 “fear nots” in the gospels alone. Christ gave a series of commands to His followers. Eight of them were to love God or our neighbor. But twenty-one of them were to “fear not.”
Unfortunately, most of us exist with a steady diet of “news.” And of course, there is nothing wrong with being informed. But our fears will only multiply as we consume broadcasts of doom and gloom.
So, instead, this week, let’s all try to put on the full armor of God and be prepared for spiritual battle. Knowing who wins the war is a great encouragement. If you need a quick refresher course in God’s plan for nations and people, peek at the last couple of chapters in Revelation.
“Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.”
Sherry Worel
Sherry Worel is a Bible teacher at heart and lives a life of ministry. She’s been involved at Coast Hills teaching Women’s LIFE, Bible studies, online courses, devotionals, participating in Upstream conversations, and much more. Having a love for education, Sherry has over 50 years of teaching experience with schools, churches, and mission agencies. As well as earning her Master’s at Talbot Seminary, she rounded out her education with 35 years as Head of School at Stoneybrooke Christian School. Sherry is happiest with a book or fishing pole in hand.