Jimbo's Jots

Fear (noun):

1. an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger
2. anxious concern

Here we are! We’re months into another election cycle. We are months away from electing a new president. Other elected officials such as senators, representatives, and even city and township candidates seek your attention and your vote. The commercials on television and in social media are rolling out at a financially record pace. Friends are even making declarations on the socials where they stand.

What pushes all of this is fear! Candidates have for years resorted to stating what their opponent will do to take away their freedoms and rights. The other side will declare that the opponent will do this to take away rights and freedoms. I believe we have become a nation that is afraid to listen without judgement or dismissing others. What this has led to then, is people who are fearful.

I found a stat (on the internet) that says the term “fear not” appears 365 times in the Bible, depending on the translation referenced. Think about that for a second!

I counsel people just about every day whether formally or informally that struggle with fear, worry and anxiety. I just had a session with someone who has been one of my clients for almost two years. In that time, the client has experienced a great deal that has generated fear, even dealing with a medical issue that was diagnosed within the last year.

Here is what I think: fear happens when we feel that the situation is beyond what we can manage. Now think about that for a second!

We’re good as long as we feel we’re in control. It’s those moments in life when the diagnosis is cancer, or the spouse says they are leaving, or the car needs a major repair and financially we’re tapped out. It’s “what am I going to do next?” The burden is too much for us to bear.

God says, “Fear not!” Here is what I think happens when we remind ourselves of that statement: God is reassuring you that He is near! “Fear not” tells me I’m not alone in fighting cancer, working to heal my marriage, or whatever the storms of life I may be facing.

Quickly, there is a second message here, “PEACE!” Remember the story of Jesus’ calming the storm. The apostles were trying everything they could to weather the storm. Jesus is sleeping (at peace)! When they wake him, he says, “Peace!” Everything is calm.

The God who has the power to calm the storm has the same power to calm our internal storms. And He says, “Fear not!”

Be blessed! Be a blessing to others!