From www.bobrussell.org
Occasionally people ask my opinion on various personal or church issues. I have recently received numerous emails regarding coping with fear, one which I have reprinted below, followed by my response.
QUESTION: Why am I so anxious?
I’ve received several emails regarding coping with fear during these troubled times. Writers recount that as followers of Christ, they know they’re supposed to be strong and courageous, but they’re anxious and depressed. They’ve prayed for peace and read Scripture verses about courage but still find themselves almost overwhelmed with fear at times.
One writer anguished, “I am troubled that I feel so scared. Why do I suddenly feel so afraid? I realize how attached I am to the comforts of this world and ’my plans.’ I feel unsettled and have lost a lot of this week to feeling anxious. I know that’s not God’s will for any of us. Do you have any wisdom to pass on to me to help me remain focused on the purpose that God has for my life?”
MY ANSWER
Some fear is normal. Let’s be honest, these are perilous times. Very few of us have experienced anything like the past six months. It’s only human nature that we feel some anxiety since we face such an uncertain future. Fear of the unknown is to be expected, even among those who have faith in Christ.
And some fear is good. Fear of a spanking keeps a toddler from wandering out into the street. Fear of falling keeps an old man like me off ladders. Fear of a speeding ticket motivates us to drive more safely. Fear of contracting a virus leads us to wash our hands more frequently. Solomon said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
The Apostle Paul said one of the telltale signs of a decadent society is, “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Rom. 3:18). I think the Lord is using recent events to get our attention. Healthy fear can drive us to the Lord for refuge and strength. Jesus said we should fear the One who can destroy both our soul and body in hell.
But God doesn’t want us to live in constant anxiety. He doesn’t want His children to live nervous lives any more than a compassionate earthly father wants his kids to worry about the next meal. One Bible student found 365 “fear nots” in the Bible. That’s one for every day. Someone said, “Worry is a sin because it calls God a liar.” God promises, “I will provide all your needs.” “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Worry says, “I don’t believe those promises are true.”
When you feel burdened with anxiety, take time to ask yourself these five questions:
- What is the worst thing that can possibly happen? Some counselors suggest, “Just put your fears out of your mind; don’t think about them!” That’s impossible for me. I’m better off facing the worst and then putting it to rest. Even if the odds are slim, the truth is I could get coronavirus and die. The economy could collapse, and we could lose all our earthly possessions. Our government system could be destroyed and be replaced with socialism or tyranny.
When Queen Esther was asked to petition the King on behalf of the Hebrew people, she was afraid of what would happen to her. But then she responded, “If I perish, I perish.” She faced the worst and then proceeded with courage. You see, courage is not the absence of fear; it’s appropriate action in spite of fear.
- If the worst happens, how will I cope? Will I run and hide? No! Will I take my own life? No! Will I abandon my faith? No! The Bible assures me, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). So, I will go on. I will continue to believe in Jesus and trust His word. I will still be close to my family and friends. (Maybe closer!) I will still have the hope of heaven, and that means the best is yet to be regardless of what happens.
King David wrote, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:1-2).
When God put Joshua in charge of leading the Israelites into uncertain territory, He challenged him, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord, your God, will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
Remind yourself, “If the worst happens, I will respond with faith, not fear. I will be strong and courageous. I will set a positive example for my children and family. If other believers have coped with even more terrifying circumstances than this, with the help of God’s Holy Spirit, I can do it too.”
- What is God’s will for me today? Jesus answered that question. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). Jesus realistically promised, “In the world, you will have trouble. But be of good cheer I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
God doesn’t want me to waste even one minute worrying about tomorrow. He wants me to focus on this day and cheerfully make the most of it. Jesus asked, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27).
Corrie Ten Boom said, “Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength, carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.”
So, get busy living and enjoying today. Focus on the precious present. That’s all you’ve got. Don’t waste it! Say with King David, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
- What am I most thankful for right now? The Bible tells us to give thanks in all circumstances. (See 1 Thess. 5:18.) And “Don’t be anxious about anything but pray about everything WITH THANKSGIVING and the peace of God will guard your hearts in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
There’s something about listing our blessings that reminds us of God’s goodness and helps overcome fear. Ann Voskamp wrote a best-selling book, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. Ann suggests we list a thousand things we’re thankful for. If you list a thousand (or even a hundred) ways God has been good to you, somehow you sense His providential care and the uncertainties and “what if’s” don’t seem nearly as significant.
- Do I believe what I say I believe? For years I’ve said I believe that whosoever believes in Christ will not perish but have everlasting life. I’ve said, “I believe in heaven.” I’ve said I believe God’s promises are true that He will never leave me nor forsake me. I’ve preached that I believe God will grant me strength through the Holy Spirit to deal with any situation that arises. I ask myself, “Do I really believe these things?” Once I reaffirm them, I say to myself, “Quit moping around and act like you believe it! God’s in control, not you! Be joyful and be confident in God’s Word.”
I’ve read that, on average, birds eat approximately half their body weight every day. If we ate that much our grocery bill would be enormous! And so would our waistline! Birds eat a lot! But I’ve never seen an anorexic bird, have you? And I’ve never watched a bird pace the limb at night worrying about whether there will be enough worms in the yard tomorrow to keep it alive. The bird sleeps peacefully, confident that God will supply its every need one day at a time.
Listen closely as the Lord Jesus asks you this question, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26).
Bob Russell is retired Senior Minister of Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, KY.