Robbed

Fear, anxiety, worry. I find a culture filled with these things—and not just the world, but the church and most Christians as well—certainly even me at times. Worried about things outside our control. Afraid of things that have not yet happened, and most likely will not happen.

And yet, we worry.

The Bible teaches that God is a sovereign God. That he is mighty and wise and holds all things in his hand (1 Chronicles 29:12). He has a plan for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11). It teaches that perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). Over and over God reassures us, “Fear not”—more than 80 times in scripture! 

The Bible reminds us we don’t need to worry about what the future holds (Matthew 6:34). He offers the peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7). Joy in the most difficult of circumstances (Psalm 5:11). He will go before us (Deuteronomy 31:8). He will uphold us in his righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). He will provide (Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:25-34). He will protect (Psalm 121:7). Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we need fear no evil, for God is with us (Psalm 23:4). 

And yet, we worry.

Indeed, at times we seem almost to relish the fear and the worry. Dwell on it. Allow our imaginations to go down every dark and troublesome alley at the first hint of trouble. And when God’s promises are held forth, they are often rejected . . . dismissed. It’s as though we feel the bringer of good news fails to see the solemnity of the issue, fails to have compassion for the victim, fails to show reason. Of course, we should fear, our logic says! This world is a dark and terrible place! And, indeed, it is—without the light. But with the light—with Christ—we can be fearless! 

In thinking on this recently, I found it quite ironic. As we fear a robbery that has not yet happened—and most likely will not happen—we fail to see that a robbery has already taken place. The evil one comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). As we worry about our belongings and fear for our lives, the devil has run off with our peace, our joy, our trust . . . our very faith in the sovereign God who offered us all these gifts in the first place. Will we accept the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Will we live in the confidence he gives us? He did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Let us step out in confidence. Boldly speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Sharing the peace we have found in him. Reminding each other when we forget . . .

“Even though I walk through the

darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for

you are with me; your rod and your

staff, they comfort me.”

Psalm 23:4 NIV

“The thief comes only to steal and kill

and destroy; I have come that they may

have life, and have it to the full.”

John 10:10 NIV

“For the Spirit God gave us does not

make us timid, but gives us power,

love and self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV