Message: "Do not be afraid."
We have been living amid an unprecedented crisis caused by infectious disease (Covid-19) and social unrest due to economic difficulties.
We have endured times of despair and anxiety along with many hardships.
Some people may have overcome these difficulties, but many people are still struggling without finding their solutions. How should we deal with that?
Today, I would like to look at "fear" from the context of the Bible.
The Bible says, "Do not be afraid" in both the Old and New Testaments. Let me quote a part of it.
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
One day, I was informed by my second son that his daughter(six years old) got infected by Covid-19.
At that time, he had been traveling to Europe as an athletic trainer for the US national soccer team.
His wife and three children were in quarantine at their house.
I sent this scripture to his family.
I can't tell you how powerful and grateful I was for the urgent prayers from everyone.
When my son returned home, he was able to meet them from afar and stayed at his in laws.
Fortunately, my granddaughter recovered quickly and there was no infection in the family either. Sadly, his wife's cousin’s husband had passed away from Covid-19 at a young age, so we were very concerned.
My son was grateful for the words of the Bible and the chain of prayers that everyone was offering. They were able to find peace during uncertain times.
We often worry and fear about our future, but as we read in Matthew 10:31, Jesus promises us that if God feeds even the birds of the air, He will protect us even more.
Even if we are lonely and have no one to listen to our problems or have financial difficulties, God knows all our struggles very well. And He boldly says "Don't be afraid," and not only that, He leads us to solutions that are far beyond human knowledge.
What can man do to me?”
We also tend to be concerned about what others think of us. We are afraid of people.
But this writer is firm in his trust in God. He is saying that because he knows God's power and trusts in Him. He does not need to be afraid no matter how badly he is received or the challenges he faces.
The key to overcoming fear is precisely to put all our trust in God rather than relying on our own wisdom and strength!
As long as we live, we will face problems and even after they are solved, new problems will arise.
Sadly, it is also reported that the number of suicides is increasing.
Let's not be anxious or afraid of our future, but let's take these words of the Bible to heart!