Fears - Real or Imaginary

Fear of the credit crunch

Concern for money matters is a very real fear in these days of the credit crunch. Even if we’re fortunate enough to have money we won’t be able to take it with us when we die. Kalynas told the all-conquering Alexander the Great, You have troubled much of the earth; but you own no more of it than that which will cover your body when you die. The Old Testament character Job said, Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I shall depart. How true that is. Money has its place but it cannot buy health or a good conscience. Someone has described money as that something which buys everything but happiness and takes a man to everywhere but heaven.

Fear of ill health

Hospitals are full of people who are really ill and fear often makes their illness worse. Cancer and heart disease are two major killers yet fear often keeps people from visiting a doctor when symptoms first appear. God doesn’t promise that his people will always experience victory over illness, but he does promise that through the Lord Jesus we can always experience victory in illness. The apostle Paul had a painful condition which God did not remove, for all his asking. Instead he said, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. In every illness Jesus is ready to give you and me the same promise of inner strength, so that we too can say with Paul, When I am weak then am I strong. God’s power is seen all the more clearly when we are weak.

Fear of the past

Fears from the past can be very real. Multitudes live in fear of a past wrong-doing and the consequences it may bring. That’s why Adam, the first man, hid himself from God among the trees of the Garden of Eden. What about the fear of God’s judgement? In view of God’s hatred of sin, we do well to fear His judgement. But there is great good news. ...My grace is sufficient for you...If we turn from our sin and trust in Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we won’t be condemned by God for our sin. God’s Word tells us in Ephesians 1:9, In him [Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace. Through His death on the cross Jesus bore the punishment for the sin of all who would rely on Him alone for God’s acceptance. Therefore by knowing Jesus Christ personally the fear of God’s judgement is removed.

Fear of the future

Some months ago two soldiers were shot by the Real I.R.A. in Antrim. There was a real climate of fear throughout the province. Are we going to plummet back into the abyss of violence we’ve just got out of?

The Bible tells us that God is in control of the future. God is working out His purposes in this world. History is moving towards a climax. At the end of time Jesus will return to judge every human being. Anyone who doesn’t know Him as their Saviour should fear the future, but not so much the bullets of evil terrorists as the wrath of God against their unforgiven sin. Jesus said in Matthew 10:28, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both body and soul in hell. In striking contrast, those who know Christ can face the future without fear, secure in the knowledge that their heavenly Father has forgiven them and is working out His plan.

Fear of death

Death is an enemy we must all meet. Millions dread the very thought of it, even though they may try to make light of it, like Woody Allen who said, I’m not afraid to die – I just don’t want to be there when it happens. But Jesus Christ has defeated death. Three days after He was crucified He rose from the dead. Since He is alive, anyone who trusts in Him has nothing to be afraid of, not even death. Jesus’ resurrection is proof that everyone who is committed to Him will also experience the most wonderful resurrection.

...I will be with you always...In fact, because Jesus is alive today, we can experience His presence with us moment by moment. The Christ who died is living and reigning in glory and is always present with His people through His Holy Spirit. He promises His followers in Matthew 28:20, Surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.

What are you afraid of? Yes fear is distressing but it can be overcome. King David said, When I am afraid I will trust in you (Psalm 56:3). That is good—very good—but better still is what Isaiah said, I will trust and not be afraid (Isaiah 12:2).