Understanding Fears In Controversial Times

In this world, we are reminded by the Great Apostle Paul, that we will have trouble … “but be of good cheer, I (Jesus) have overcome the world” (St. John 16:33). During these controversial times, we are faced with many fear-inducing circumstances, i.e., immigration, killing of police, anti-Semitism, division in our county, anger, insults, rioting in the streets of major cities as well as college/university campuses, economic unrest, racial intolerance, racial cleansing, prejudices, threats to ban Muslims, government deficits, disease, sickness, same sex marriages, rejection from others, bomb threats, terrorist living/ and causing upheaval within America, or the woes of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and the list can continue. However, we must realize and be sensitive to the fact that the aforementioned fears are real, even though they may not directly affect us. In being sensitive, we become empathetic to the feelings of others and are able to offer support and encouragement to help relieve those fears which promote unity.I once heard a saying that fear is false evidence appearing real. If we allow it to rule and reign in our minds, fear will stop us from reaching our full potential in life that was mentioned in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Fear has a tendency to rob us of all hope. We must remember, in controversial times like these, when feelings of hopelessness arise, we must refocus.

We must refocus by taking our eyes off this world, and putting them onto the soon return of Jesus. Not only will refocusing drive out fear, but it will raise our spirits. The Bible says it will purify us from the negativity that is caused by this world and will cause us to live uprightly, separating us from the sin and failure of the world around us. Also, refocusing will lift us into the love and joy of God. We will then be able to say, I trust you, God, so nothing scares me. Standing next to You, I am untouchable (Psalm 56:11).Thus, when we walk in God’s love, we are reminded in I John 4:18 that, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love”. Similarly, we should ask ourselves this pertinent question, “If I really love God, why do I fear?” Furthermore, there is a secret to overcoming fear and having JOY (Jesus, Others, and yourself last). Jesus said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (St John 15:11). When we receive the JOY that God gives and not the joy of the world (seeking pleasure), we will be able to sing the words of the renowned singer/songwriter Shirley Ceasar, “This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me and the world can’t take it away.”