Fear can be crippling.
Terrorists understand this reality. Sadly, each time a new attack hits, we are reminded of the fear involved. To be clear, every effort needs to be made by world leaders to prevent acts of terrorism. Here’s the dilemma. With proper policies and synergistic effort, terrorism can be significantly reduced worldwide, yet not completely eliminated. Hence, the world is concerned and fears the next terrorist attack.
Much like terrorism, mass shootings have created concern and fear in many. We are shocked, horrified, and angered with each senseless tragedy that occurs. Many now fear going out in public. To be sure, we live in an uncertain world where evil continues to wreak havoc on innocent people. Learning to live free of fear is essential.
God is Good
Know this: God is good and not the originator of evil. God is a loving Father who desires to draw humanity close to Him through Jesus Christ, not drive us away in fear through evil acts of any kind. God gets accused of many things He simply does not do.
I just received a phone call from my credit card company a few minutes ago. My card number was stolen and used by someone in another state trying to buy groceries. I’m pretty confident that God didn’t cause this person, or persons, to steal my card number and use it fraudulently. Yet, I had to spend the last few minutes taking care of this problem, caused by someone’s wrong intent. It’s the world we live in. Our struggle is not against other people, but evil powers that influence others.
Paul told the Ephesian church that humanity’s struggle is not against God or each other; rather,
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places (Eph. 6:11 NLT).
Jesus has defeated these evil powers, through His death, resurrection, and enthronement (Col. 2:15).
Fight the Good Fight
However, until the fullness of God’s kingdom is realized on earth, we must fight the good fight of faith standing strong against the schemes of the evil one. We stand strong against fear or any scheme of the enemy by remaining steadfast in Christ (Eph. 6:10-20). Jesus is victor over all—His victory has become our victory. Learning to rest in and fight from His victory with the spiritual armor He has given us is vital to stand strong.
There is a powerful song by Jonathan David and Melissa Helser called, “No Longer Slaves.” Part of the lyrics read, “I’m no longer a slave to fear; I am a child of God… I am surrounded by the arms of the Father. I am surrounded by songs of deliverance…” The song echoes what Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans,
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children” (Rom. 8:15-16 NLT).
Rest Secure, Free of Fear
As you remain in Christ and the fullness of His adoption grips you, faith and hope in God become your anchor. The result: fear and worry begin to diminish. You are no longer a fearful slave and you embrace the loving arms of Father God.
You can rest secure in Him, despite world events or personal circumstances. This doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen in life, but you are trusting and resting in God—knowing He is not the author of evil—you are now living life free of fear. You are no longer a slave to fear; you are a child of God.
