There is fear in the air. If dogs can smell fear then the dogs in my neighborhood and in yours are probably getting a noseful. Along with the normal things people fear there are the added fears of an unstable economy and a shrinking job market. Fear can make you do things you would not ordinarily do. I remember walking along with my wife Karen years ago. We were holding hands and walking along the side of a road. I heard the faint jingling of metal and my mind searched to try to match the sound with something I could identify. I heard it again and this time it was closer. It finally hit me that the sound was the sound of a dog collar and it seemed like a big dog. I realized it must now be almost right behind us and I was hit with a full dose of raw fear. Without thinking I swung around to confront the dog. I swung in such a way that Karen was put directly between me and the dog. It was a tough thing to try to explain. Fear can make you do things you would not ordinarily do. I have been thinking about I John 4:18 where John says,"Perfect love casts out fear." The thing that has hit me is that I am perfectly loved and if you know Jesus as your Savior you are too. This love is not based on my performance but on the sacrifice of Jesus which means I can never lose it. It is the God of the universe who has declared that I am the apple of his eye. I wonder if I would be concerned about the economy if Bill Gates was my dad. I doubt it. But the God of the universe, the One who makes Bill Gates look like a pauper, has said that I am His son. I guess what I am saying is that my fear or lack thereof is directly connected to what I really think of God. As the economy shrinks my view of God has got to get bigger. My understanding of his love for me has got to become more realistic. He has said he loves me with an everlasting love and if that is true then what can possibly make me afraid. The economy may be jingling in your ear. It may sound like a big dog coming for you. But remember the hand you are holding is not mine but the Lord God Almighty. He has already shown he is willing to lay down his life for you. There is no way he will give you over to the dogs now. Do not be afraid.
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5 comments:
My work puts me in contact with an impoverished, inner-city population on a daily basis. While my fears revolve around my portfolio and college tuition, many of them worry about paying medical bills, buying warm clothing, or feeding their children dinner this weekend. Some who have faith will say something like this; "I've been praying and praying about this, but I'm still struggling to put food on the table." Anything I say after that comes out sounding patronizing and doesn't help them out at all. I'm often at a loss for words. Advice from anyone? Thanks.
To Anonymous...
Buy them food...if you can.
If you cannot, pray with them and for them. Be in compassionate fellowship with them showing sympathy for their struggles.
Scott
I say the above realizing I am a terrible sinner and have failed miserably in similar situations many times.
Did God not create the heavens and the earth and all that is in it. Did God not part the Red Sea. Did God not make manna to come down from heaven to feed his people. Did God not.......... God says "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers they shall not overwhelm you and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel your Savior." Did God not send his one and only Son. God is speaking even now from His throne to the world "I AM the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to graven images." Fear takes our eyes and focus off of "I AM". Jesus told Peter "Feed my sheep." Are we not our brothers keepers.
This is such a difficult issue. I have noticed that in my past life I did not fear much, but I also was very naive and my every physical need was met. Once I came to Christ I began to have fear. Now I realize the fears that are selfish(that are just about me) and the ones that are focused on God, meaning I so desperately do not want to disappoint God, after all He has done for me, I just want to please Him. I think this is a healthy fear as long as it doesn't freeze you into doing nothing, but instead motivates you.
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