October 20, 2024

“And though this world with devils filled, should threaten to undo us….” (A Mighty Fortress is our God)

“…a lamp shining in a dark place…” (2 Peter 1:19b)

In Luke 21:25 and following, Jesus speaks of the distress of the nations “because of the roaring of the sea and waves.” He then says that people will faint with fear and will be filled with dread as they consider “what is coming on the world.” I do not know if our recent rash of hurricanes is part of this, but it is very clear that people on the whole are living with increasing amounts of anxiety. It used to be assumed that older people were the ones who were most prone to worry, but more and more studies are showing that parents of young children are now vying for the throne of anxiety.

How many times does the phrase, “fear not” appear in the Bible? One source I read said that it shows up 366 times. That is one for every day of the year, plus leap year. Apparently, God knows how prone we are to fear. So, how is your anxiety level? Seriously, try to come up with a number between 1-10. Once you do that, ask yourself the next question. What are you feeling overwhelmed with right now? Can you identify the source of your anxiety? Once you do that, try to go another level deeper. What exactly is it that drives the fear? Is it a fear of loss, discomfort, security, or a feeling of being out of control?

Compare your answer to the promises of God. Specifically look at the promises of God in Romans 8:31-39. What do you see there? In spite of people who may accuse you of something, or try to condemn you or tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger or sword, we have something (rather Someone) that can never be taken away. The promises of God are a lamp to our feet and a light to our path in the midst of a dark world. So yes, this world is a dark place and on its own, there are plenty of opportunities to be fearful. But for the believer, we are not on our own. God’s Word is a lamp that shines in a dark place. God’s Word reveals the promises of God confirmed in the person of Christ. These promises assure us that while this world is filled with devils, it will not stay this way. While this world is a dark place now, the dawn is not far away. So, we tell our fears to calm down, as we remind ourselves of God’s promises to his beloved.

“… we will not fear for God hath willed, his truth to triumph through us.” (A Mighty Fortress is our God)

“until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19c)

Press On,

Bob

Sunday’s Text: Luke 9:28-36

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