Fear Not.

These certainly are interesting times right now. That is probably an understatement considering all that is going on with the coronavirus, the over-buying of toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and the food that is being stockpiled. While God has called us to be wise, we are not to live in fear. Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." That is a promise from God. He is always with us. The word dismayed carries with it the meaning of looking around. We can become fearful as we look around and see the panic that is going on in some people.



As Christians we can say we are not panicking or fearful, but are we a little anxious about how all of this will play out? Or will life ever be normal again? I would venture to say if we are completely honest with ourselves, there may be some anxiousness deep down in our thoughts from time to time. So from this passage of scripture about not being dismayed, we are not to look around but to look up, to the One who is always with us and who will give us strength and help in times of trouble.

We are still human and difficult situations can cause some fear. When the apostle Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, he wanted to join the Lord. Jesus said come and Peter started walking on water. Can you imagine? He was doing it until he was dismayed, when he started looking around. Matthew 14:30 says, "But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, 'Lord, save me!'" Peter was going down and his simple prayer of "Lord save me" was answered. Verse 31 says, and immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Jesus categorized fear as little faith and doubting. But notice how gracious Jesus was and how gracious Jesus still is. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If you are fearful or anxious, cry out to Jesus and He will uphold you with His righteous right hand, just as He did for Peter.