Last Sunday I talked about how Satan has corrupted everything — turning our world (intentionally) upside down. Everything about creation has been affected (Romans 8:19-22). Most salient to me right now is that the beautiful awe and wonder of God was corrupted into fear and terror. Both God the Father and Jesus countered that regularly (Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:9; Psalm 34:4; Isaiah 43:1; Matthew 10:26; Mark 5:36; John 14:1; Romans 8:15, 38-39;Philippians 4:6-7; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Peter 3:14 — and these are only a sample). We’re taught that perfect love drives out all fear (1 John 4:18).Friends, our Enemy, Satan, is pulling the strings. He pulls the strings that stir fear up all over the world — and all over our nation. Think about it: every tool of mass communication right now is focused on stirring up fear. Why? Because fear is “loud” and easily distracts those who are not intently focusing on the One who tells us to “Fear not.”
I am dismayed at how may Christians today are living in fear — fear of a virus, fear of the next election, fear of radical groups, fear of riots, fear of offending people, fear of even leaving our homes, fear…fear…fear! I ask you, where do you think that comes from? The only “fear” we are to have is the awe and wonder of our God (Proverbs 9:10; Hebrews 12:28). This is good and healthy — life giving.
May I suggest that you turn off all sources that introduce Satan’s bastardized fear into your life? Replace them with sources that lead you into the awe and wonder of God? You will be amazed at how much better you feel. You might also be amazed at how much power and authority you wield for good in these days — power and authority you’ve been distracted away from using for Jesus’ glory.
If you are in Christ — if you belong to our Abba, Father because you have surrendered to King Jesus — you have absolutely no reason for fear. Go and put that reality on display so those who have yet to know Jesus will ask you about the hope you have and meet him (1 Peter 3:15).