Fear, anger, anxiety, hatred, division, frustration, isolation, distrust, and hopelessness are perpetuated by the atmosphere surrounding us.
If I focus on all of the reasons that cause me to fear, I become stuck – as though sinking in a swamp of thick mud, heavy and oppressed. My energy evaporates and my usually optimistic outlook grows dark.
This oppressive environment is an extremely uncomfortable place to be – so I’ve been turning off the news and instead turning to prayer, worship walks, and God’s Word. His Word is truth, power, and the place where I find focus and regain my strength.
Let’s be clear. What is going on in our nation is a spiritual battle.
If we are honest, the complexity of what is rapidly taking place in our country is shocking and surreal. The lack of confidence in our government and election process has wounded our nation on the deepest level.
In addition, we are helplessly watching the deception and manipulation of our media, the decisions of big tech companies to determine who does or does not get to keep their First Amendment rights, the continuation of a pandemic that has not only compromised mental and physical health, but also shut down life as we’ve known it, causing isolation and unprecedented stress on families and businesses.
This weaving of corruption is beyond human ability. These are spiritual forces of evil unleashed. The Devil wants division. He is our enemy.
Apostle Paul tells us this, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6: 12 NIV).
But here’s the good news – we don’t need to be afraid or shaken. Jesus has already won the battle when He defeated sin and death on the cross, and now He is victoriously seated on His throne in heaven. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and He is in control.
The book of Revelation (Jesus’s revealing of things unseen) tells us that our world will become worse before God brings about the new heaven and the new earth perfectly restored.
When a nation or people go out from under God’s covering, move away from His will and ways – there are consequences. History has shown that every nation who separates from God either implodes or is conquered by enemies used by God to bring about radical change and repentance.
2 Chronicles 7:13-15 says, “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.”
In every generation, God is seeking the lost. He wants a relationship with those He created and loves. If you call Jesus Lord – you have nothing to fear. You are sealed with the Spirit, and an inheritance beyond your wildest imagination waits for you in heaven.
Stand strong and walk as a courageous disciple of Jesus Christ. Faith cancels out fear. We can’t fear man and trust God.
As we study God’s Word, we are told “Do not fear” over and over. God’s Word is truth. God’s Word, the Sword of the Spirit, is the only weapon in the suit of the “Armor of God.”
What does God’s Word say about Fear?
(I encourage you to print out these verses, write them in dry erase on your mirror, and memorize the ones that speak to your heart.)
Isaiah 41:10 ESV “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Joshua 1:9 ESV “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Psalm 34:4 NIV “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
John 14:27 NIV “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Psalm 41:13 NIV “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Psalm 56:3 ESV “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
Matthew 10:28 NLT “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Proverbs 29:25 NIV “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”
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Isaiah 41:10 ESV “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”Tweet
These are scary times indeed! Sometimes I have to turn off podcasts because they’re so hard for me to listen to. I keep praying for peace, but I’m wondering if what I should really be praying for is truth. I do need to remind myself on a daily basis that God was, is, and always will be sovereign. We don’t need to fear — just stand up for what we know to be true, while showing grace to those we disagree with or who disagree with us. Thank you for all the beautiful verses in one place!
Leah, beautifully said and thank you for sharing. I agree and had the same feelings on my heart. Last year my word for the year was TRUTH. In a world where anything is tolerated and truth is subjective, I needed to focus on what is unshakable truth and the character of God.
As Leah said, these are scary times indeed. So very thankful I know who is in control and that keeping my eyes fixed on Christ is the key to living in these chaotic days. Thankful for your beautifully stated truths that remind us of this. What will get us through these difficult times? Christ! Prayer! Worship! Love! So thankful for a sister who speaks truth so eloquently! ❤
Lin, you nailed it! Keeping our eyes fixed on Christ is key. Thank you for sharing. Saturday’s blog post will highlight some of those very practices to keep us strong in our faith.