[349 words]
WE NEED NOT FEAR:
Economic Collapse. Whether the breaking of Social Security, a major stock market crash, the mounting U.S. debt, recession, the real estate bubble bursting, bankruptcy, out of control inflation, or job losses. “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread” (Psalm 37:25).
Potential Persecution. Whether the steadily rising antagonism against Christianity, overthrow by foreign oppressors, the mounting tide of immorality promoting sin, or the epidemic ignorance of the Bible in our land. “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
Military Threats. Whether Al Qaida, the Taliban, Iranian nuclear weapon building, alliances between China, North Korea, and Russia, or armed forces spread too thin.
Peter said, “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” (Acts 10:34–35).
Natural Catastrophe. Whether global warming, meteors crashing through the atmosphere, glacial melting, California sliding into the ocean, or events like tsunamis and hurricanes. “He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. The Lord preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy” (Psalm 145:19–20).
Health Problems. Whether cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, ALS, AIDS, kidney failure, dementia, arthritis, blood clots, or liver disease. “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Academic Decline. Whether comparative test scores with children in other nations, a socially charged curriculum agenda, the “dumbing down of America,” the de-emphasis of classroom competition, or outcome-based education programs.
WE NEED TO FEAR:
“Fear God” (Ecclesiastes 5:7; 1 Peter 2:17). “You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him” (Deuteronomy 13:4). “His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation” (Luke 1:50). “The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him” (Psalm 25:14).
Neal Pollard
Lehman Avenue church of Christ
Bowling Green, KY