Don't Be Taken Over By Fear

We are living in very stressful, very chaotic times. "Normal" life is stressful enough, but throw in a world pandemic, economic uncertainty, rioting and racial unease, and a presidential election into the mix, and stressful doesn't even begin to cover it. But, well, here we are. Welcome to life in 2020.

As I was walking Kudzu the other day, I was listening to music, with my playlist on shuffle. A song from 2008 popped on that I used to love, but had not heard, much less thought about in many years. Listening to it with "new" ears was akin to being punched in the gut. What song was it, you ask? The Fear by Lily Allen. I am sure Lily wrote it as a tongue-in-cheek song. On its own, I thought it was a fun, cute song--back 12 years ago. Today though...well, it really hit home. There is really one set of lyrics that echoed in my head, and they haven't stopped since. These are the lyrics I am referring to:

I don't know what's right and what's real anymore. I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore. When do you think it will all become clear? 'Cause I'm being taken over by the fear.

Doesn't that just succinctly sum up how we are all collectively feeling right now?! 

There are so many people in our world who are feeling so very lost and overwhelmed by fear. It is hard to digest everything that is happening right not, much less understand it. Fear of the future, fear of the unknown, fear of not being in control, and just not knowing what tomorrow will bring. When the world keeps throwing punch, after punch, after punch--you can't help but wonder: what's next? 

I am not going to lie to you, I have absolutely no clue what tomorrow will bring. But, I do know the man who does: God. Not only does God know the future, but He is already there. He is the Great I Am. And, because of Him, we DO NOT have to live in fear--of ANYTHING. Not the pandemic or of getting sick. Not about any economic issues. Not about riots or racial unrest. Not about this country and who is going to run it. NOTHING. NOTHING.

If you are feeling fear about anything in life, you need to seek God out. Get into your Bible. Get in The Word of God. There you will find tons of verses that tell us NOT to fear. I wrote an article earlier this year highlighting some of these verses. Please read it! Spend time in prayer, spend time listening to some good praise music, step away from your social media accounts and TV, get outside and get some fresh air and marvel at the beauty of the world that God created. 

When you spend time with the Lord, you will find your fear subsiding. He gives the peace that surpasses all understanding. I can't explain it - but trust me when I tell you--it is very real. And, I am so grateful for it!

And, let me tell you something, that fear that you are feeling is NOT from God. Only good things come from God. (Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:16-17)

That fear you are feeling is from the devil. And that devil is out there seeking whom he may devour. (Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8) Do NOT allow him to get to you. Do NOT be his victim. Stand against him and he will flee from you. James 4:7 tells us, "Submit yourselves therefor to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This is the truth brothers and sisters, the truth.

While we don't know the future, we can stand firm in the Lord and trust Him to take care of us, no matter what crazy thing may come our way. The Lord promises to ALWAYS be with us--to NEVER leave us. He is our Hope. He is our Refuge. He is our Truth. He is our firm Foundation. He is our Freedom--most especially our Freedom from fear and worry. 

So while these storms are circling all around me, coming closer and closer and closer, I am fine. Why? Because I am a Child of God. I KNOW that the Lord is holding me in the palm of His hand, and He will keep me safe from whatever storms are hitting. And, the Lord loves you and He will do the same thing for you. All you have to is ask. Do NOT be overtaken by fear.

Oh, and that question that Lily asked: When do you think it will all become clear? Well, I think I know the answer. Soon. Very, very soon.