The times we are living in today seem bleak and our future uncertain. The pandemic that we are faced with at times seems to be unsurmountable. Is our economy going to collapse? Will I ever be able to work again? These questions and more are filling many of our minds.

This is not the first time our country has faced such an unknown enemy. 1929 our country went into a great depression. The stock market had crashed causing a decline in consumer spending and investment. This caused a steep decline in industrial output and a rise in the levels of unemployment due to failing companies laying off their workers. Sound familiar?

1933 Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected President of The United States. He said these now famous words:  “First of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is…fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” ~ First Inaugural Address of Franklin D. Roosevelt; Saturday, March 4, 1933

“We have nothing to fear except fear itself” 

The Bible pretty much says the same thing:

“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. ⁷ For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. ⁸ Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;”  ~ 2 Timothy 1:6-8  

We’ve been listening to and endless stream of advice, orders, commands and directions that seem to be contradicting each other. This alone can bring fear. Fear that our leaders are themselves unsure of what direction we need to take. There is one leader who knows what to do and His name is Jesus Christ.  

“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” ~ Hebrews 13:6  

There is a song by Chris Tomlin called “God Of Angel Armies” that shows how we can survive this season of discontent and fear. These words can point us in the right direction:

Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light

Whom shall I fear?  

You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though troubles linger still

Whom shall I fear?  

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side….

 

Mr. Tomlin was pretty much telling us what we should already know. We need the complete armor of God to survive in this world.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; ¹⁵ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: ¹⁸ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”  ~ Ephesians 6:10-18 

God actually commands us not to fear or worry. The phrase “fear not” is used at least 80 times in the Bible, most likely because He knows the enemy uses fear to decrease our hope and limit our victories.  

“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” ~ Isaiah 43:1 

Whether it be the pandemic we face now, or a great depression like 1929 we have nothing to fear except fear itself…. Only God can protect you and guide you along this journey.

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”  ~ Deuteronomy 31:6