Faithoverfear

Fear Enslaves

I heard it said recently that two things are needed to bring about socialism to America: fear and free stuff from the government. Sounds like an effective plan.

There are many things going on in our world and lives that are causing people to experience uncertainty, dread, fear and isolation. It’s not unusual for people to be flooded with so much anxiety they don’t know what to do, who is right, and what is truth that they throw up their hands in frustration and give up or just stay put.

“Anxiety is a painful uneasiness of the mind tied to an impending event.” (Dr. H. Norman Wright). Every day we hear bad news that triggers stress, worry, and fear. Fear has the ability to paralyze activities and confuse sound reasoning. This is nothing new. Habakkuk shares some common effects of worry and anxiety: I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. 3:16

“Anxiety is toxic, and worry is thinking turned into poisoned thoughts. A small trickle of fear that meanders through the mind until it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.” (Ibid.)

Be assured God is bigger than any problem, threat or fear we will ever face. Luke 21:14-15 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradictWe are told to “make up your mind” which means we have a choice as to whether we will choose worry or choose not to worry.  Whatever we choose to think about will either produce or remove feelings of anxiety or worry. Instead of focusing the mind on what could happen or on negative thoughts, focus on the love, mercy and power of God to carry you through the day and into tomorrow. He is already there and he has conquered every enemy we will face, including fear.

“We have power over what we believe, but what we believe has power over us: power to heal or power to destroy.” Dr. Timothy Jennings. We could add: power to enslave or power to free.

Pr. Bob Snitzer                                      

By the Way:     Sunday 3, 9:00 Morning worship & Holy Communion. Sermon: The Sleep That Changed the World.  Genesis 2:18-25

                        10:15 Sunday school for all ages. 

Easy way to donate to the church is to go to our website: pilotknob.org and click on the DONATIONS button at the top right.

Listen to Sandy Rios for one power packed hour each morning to hear the important news of the day. Sandy provides the latest from DC with the savvy of an insider equipped with a Christian perspective. Listen to her podcast here: https://afr.net/podcasts/sandy-rios-in-the-morning

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
StumbleUpon

Related Posts

Open Our Eyes This Advent

After the birth of the long-awaited Messiah, Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple to be dedicated to God. This was a common practice for new parents as they were also offering the required sacrifice for purification.

First Sunday in Advent

I Have Hidden Your Word Psalm 119:11

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Last Sunday of the Church Year

Think About It
“It is impossible to account for the creation of the universe without the agency of a Supreme Being.”
-George Washington