"Fear Not"
By Vicar Shaw
We are certainly living in a time in which many people are afraid. This pandemic has brought about so much uncertainty for us in our lives that we are even more inclined to fear than before. Schools are closed and we’re uncertain when they will start again. Most of us are now working from home and we’re uncertain when we will be able to return to work. Many individuals are worried about their income and are uncertain whether they will have what they need to support their families. We’re also unsure how to care for our families and others in need during this time too.
Our lives have changed dramatically. So much of our lives that used to feel certain now feels uncertain. Our natural inclination is to be afraid. Because of our sinful nature, our hearts and minds are led to fear and worry even though God has promised to love and care for us every day of our lives.
I’ve heard and read that the Bible includes the words “Fear not” 365 times. That’s one “Fear not” for every day of the year! While the number can be debated based on Bible translations, the point is this: God does not want His people to be afraid. Instead, He wants us to trust in Him as the provider for all our needs. He desires to strengthen us in our faith as we bring our needs before Him in prayer, trusting that He will take care of us. Throughout the Bible, God promises His people that He is with them and lovingly tells them not to be afraid. The same is true for us today. Our Heavenly Father has not abandoned us and tells us not to be afraid even during these days filled with much uncertainty.
Psalm 56 is a great “fear not” Psalm. The superscription at the beginning of this Psalm tells us that David wrote it when the Philistines had seized him in Gath. Clearly, he was in trouble. David was in the hands of his enemies, yet He wrote these words,
“When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4)
Despite David’s circumstances, he was confident in God and in His Word. He knew that God would help him and that He need not be afraid. Why? Not because of anything in him or because of his abilities, but because the source of his trust was in the Lord who always keeps His Word. Therefore, David could praise His Word and hold fast to it in times of trouble.
Thanks be to God that we can do the same today. This is true for us, as it was for David, because our God gives us something to put in the place of fear. He gives us peace through our Lord Jesus Christ, who went the way of the cross for us in order to claim victory over everything that causes us to fear. If Jesus had not risen from the dead, then we would have reason to fear. But death could not keep its grip on Him; sin, death, and the devil have no dominion over Him. Jesus burst forth from His tomb on that first Easter morning to give us hope and peace in the place of fear.
This is precisely what Jesus did for His disciples just after His resurrection. As they were hiding in the upper room, in fear of the Jews who sought to take their lives, Jesus appeared through locked doors and said to them, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19, 21). He did this not only once, but twice! The disciples were glad to see their Lord again. They were comforted with His presence.
The Lord is with us too. He replaces our fear with peace just as He did with His disciples. Therefore, we can proclaim these words with David in Psalm 56,
“This I know, that God is for me.
In God, whose word I praise,
in the Lord, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:9b-11)
Even during these times of uncertainty and fear, our Lord comforts us with His Words, “fear not.” He gives us peace to replace our fear and certain hope in the midst of uncertainty. He has not abandoned you. He will not forsake you. He is with us in whatever we face. Thanks be to God for Jesus’ Easter victory that gives us the hope and peace that we need to sustain us through all our days.