The phrase “Fear not,” and its equivalent “Be not afraid,” occur more than any other in the Bible, three-hundred and sixty-five (365) times, in fact. As I sit here contemplating the latest news concerning the Covid-19 virus contagion, that assurance seems starkly at odds with the constant admonitions from our newsfeeds and political leaders that we should Be Very Afraid.
As of this writing, I am hearing that over 100,000 people could die from the disease in the United States alone and that several hundreds of additional thousands are likely to die around the world before the disease is controlled or conquered. We haven’t seen population decimation like this since World War II, and not from disease since the flu epidemic of 1918.
In today’s environment, it is very easy to be afraid, yet the Bible tells us that we should not be. Why is this so? And is there really any comfort that we can take from its assurances? These are the questions toward which this post is aimed.
Don’t Misunderstand
First, we should remember that the Bible does not tell us that we will not have trouble in our lives. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “In the world, you will have tribulation.” In 1 Peter, 4:12, we are told, “…do not be surprised by the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you…” And the whole Book of Job is nothing if not a complete treatise on the ills than we can encounter.
The Apostles were especially afflicted. Only one died of old age. The rest were imprisoned, tortured, persecuted, and killed (several in very unpleasant fashion) for their faith and witness.
Jesus Himself endured toil, trouble, torture, and finally, death. If the Son of God was/is subject to these calamities, who would think that we, mere mortals, could somehow escape them? Disease, deprivation, hunger, danger, and persecution are all part and parcel of the fabric of our lives.
So, no, the Bible does not promise that believers will have an “easy time of it.” Nor does it teach (despite the proclamations of some contemporary spiritualists) that one’s faith in Jesus/God is some sort of “talisman” to ward off evil and difficult times or circumstances.
Clarity
What the Bible does say is that no matter how bad things may seem to be, nothing can ever separate us from God or His love for us. Deuteronomy 31:6 offers, “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.” In Isiah 41:10, God says, “So do not fear, because I am with you…” And in Romans 8:38-39, Paul reassures us, “…nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Jesus said, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them..” [John 14:23]
So, the Bible recognizes that times may be hard and that we may frequently be in danger. But, it also offers comfort in the knowledge that we are each important to God, and that nothing that can ever happen to us will be allowed to come between Him and us and His Comfort.
Reality
These promises were made real in the fact of Jesus’ Resurrection. For, in Jesus, God demonstrated His true desire and love for us. Jesus’ resurrection was not just about His being raised from the dead. Jesus had already done that for a number of people before His own death.
Jesus’ resurrection not only demonstrated His victory over death but also demonstrated that we can, indeed, trust in God and His Word. We have proof that His love for us is not all “smoke and mirrors.” Jesus’ resurrection powerfully demonstrates that He and our faith in Him can handle anything that life can throw at us. He showed us that even when the worst thing happens, it’s not the end of our story! Because of Him, not only do we have hope for our future here on Earth. We also have hope for our future with Him in Heaven and in Life Everlasting.
Jesus said, “whosoever believeth in me, even though he die, so shall he live.” And God proved the truth of that promise by raising His Son to lead us into eternal life with Him. Hallelujah!!
Caution, Not Fear
Now, I do feel compelled to offer a word of caution. The Bible does give testament to our ultimate victory, but the Bible does not say that we should be dismissive of the basic laws of physics or good hygiene. If we jump off a 500-foot tall building, we will fall, and most probably die. And if we hang out with a bunch of sick people, we are likely to become sick. In fact, Scripture encourages good hygiene, and by inference suggests that we should not jump off of 500-foot tall buildings. It does not say to us that because God loves us, we are free to be stupid or dismissive of the very real dangers the world presents.
Instead, it says, Be not Afraid. We may need to live with caution, but we should never live in fear. Caution makes sense. Fear does not. For in Christ, we are “more than conquerors.” We are His Brothers and Sisters by His Act of Salvation. Because of Him, we may still endure hardships and tribulations, but we no longer have anything to fear.
Comfort
With that in mind, allow me to close this post with these words of comfort from Psalms 23:
“The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
He leadeth me beside still waters.
He restoreth my soul.
He guides me in the path of righteousness for His namesake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the Shadow of Death, I fear no evil.
For Thou art with me.
Thy rod and thy staff comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.
You anoint my head with oil and my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
And I will come to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Be not afraid. The world may trouble us, but we are secure in the knowledge that regardless of what happens, God has us in the palm of His Hand.
God’s Blessings on You All,
Richard
April 3, 2020
P.S. I apologize for not keeping my posts up for a few weeks. I’ve taken a new direction in my business, and it has required 110% of my time recently. Hopefully, I’ll be back on track soon.
IHS
R
