finding hope in fearful moments
If fear is not our friend, why do we often spend more time alone with it than with the people we care about?
This is important to pay attention to, because as our world throws increasingly novel challenges our way, it can be hard to shake the silent dread of things we can’t quite put our finger on but which we know on some deep, subconscious level threaten our livelihood in ways we never would have imagined even ten years ago.
AI. Cancel culture. Increasingly unpredictable global events…
And then there are the same-old, same-old fears we’ve spent lifetimes trying to hold at bay:
How will I cover these expenses?
Why did that text go unanswered?
Will I ever fully realize my purpose in this world…?
To be human is to grapple with fear, regardless of what era we live in. Throughout time humans have experienced threats of extinction; of being kicked out of their tribe for some social faux pas; of being replaced by newer, faster, better technologies. There is, as they say, nothing new under the sun.
On one hand, this is devastatingly sobering. On the other, it should renew our hope, because it means the promises we find in scripture are as relevant today as they ever were.
In Mark 4:39 Jesus calms the storm with, “Peace, be still.” And since he is the same yesterday, today, and forever, the promise of that PEACE carries over, even to the seemingly unprecedented storms we face today.
The TRUTH is there is nothing happening right now in your world that God didn’t know would occur during your lifetime. Which means A) you were created for such a time as this, and B) you are not alone as you navigate it.
Unless you choose to be.
In case you’re wondering, this might look like A) holding all your fear inside, B) logically trying to work your way through it on your own without the beneficial input of healthy community, and/or C) forgetting to ask Jesus to show you his position in the battles you face.
Whatever fears may be nagging you right now, JESUS has a WAY through, over, and out. And it probably includes stretching your capacity for community. Because now is not the time to be hiding in our corners; troubling times are what TRUE tribes are made for.
So if you’re feeling alone in your fears right now, have HOPE, and be COURAGEOUS. Remember that Jesus is WITH you, and ask him to guide you toward the deeper relationships he’s designed you to navigate these days with.
It won’t make the scary things stop happening, but it will remind you who he is in the midst of them. And that he always intended for you to experience the comfort of knowing you have others on your side.,
For TRUTH…
- cr
