Fear…Not for the Child of God?

[Dr. Henry Harbuck]

Worried and Fearful...we hear a lot about that right now due to the economic downfall of America as well as the uncertainty about the presidential election. Down through the ages men and women of God have had to face many challenges and even simular issues we face today. This is not a time to let fear or worry take control of our lives and ministries. Instead we must stand firm in the faith and know that God is still on the throne. In times like these we need to remember God is not shaken, the Kingdom of God is not in a recession or depression.

 

God gave His Word to us in Mathew 6;25-34; “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

 

Three times in these verses Jesus say, Do not worry. If you have a King James Version Bible, you’ll notice that is says, “Take no thought for your life.” From that translation, you might get the idea that Christians shouldn’t plan for the future. But, of course, that’s not true. Back when the King James Version was published “Take no thought” meant “Don’t worry” or “Don’t be anxious.” There is a difference between being concerned about the future (and making preparations and taking precautions) and being worried about the future.

 

Sometimes we forget that God is not only control of our lives, but He’s also in control of this entire universe. The psalmist declared, The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it (Ps. 24:1). And Daniel said, “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning” (Dan. 2:20-21). If God can handle every single thing in this world, He can handle everything in your life.

Worry is the opposite of contentment, which should be the believer’s consistent state of mind. The apostle Paul said, I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Phil. 4:11b-13). A Christian’s contentment is found in God, and only in God (not circumstances).

 

But sometimes we act too much like unbelievers. When we think like the world and crave like the world, we will worry like the world, because a mind that is not centered on God is a mind that has cause to worry. God expects more of us. God expects us to be different from others. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6-7).

 

We will as Christians go through hard times? We all know what the answer is...yes. Will we suffer trials and tribulations...yes. Will God be there is carry us through these times in our lives...YES! Will the government or the next president solve our problems…of course not. As we face one of the hardest economics crisis in America and the most important presidential election in history, we must not let fear grip our heart. I truly believe that for those who have been faithful, God will sustain you in TIMES LIKE THESE.

 

It is time for us, servants of the Lord, to arise and have faith in the God we serve. No matter what Wall Street does or Who is our next president, we are commanded by God to pray for our country and our leaders. We can have hope because we know even though we live in this world, we are not of this world. Scripture declares, “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:7).