“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”
The phrase, “These things”, is referring to struggles the Roman Christians were facing. Paul is questioning their anxieties as they face those challenges. I think he might ask us the same question… ”When did fear become our default emotion?”
America thrives on anxiety. Fear has become our national pastime… We embrace it, promote it, and attack anyone who refuses to be scared with us. No one is immune and neither side has a monopoly on the method. Dividing us with fear has become the most common technique on the political landscape.
Even some churches today have stopped declaring the power of God and instead have become obsessed with the evil plans of people… We have stopped preaching and started whining… We don’t boldly stand on God’s omnipotence; we tremble at the attempts of sinners to change His plans.
How foolish can we be?
The Bible says, “The LORD Himself goes before you”… Why waste another day fixated on man’s attempts to thwart God’s plans? They will not prevail. God is God. He is not worried or dismayed… So why are you?
James is not suggesting that you ignore dangers. He’s suggesting you stop letting fear control your life. Prudently assess threats… make good choices…and find peace in the confidence you have in your Heavenly Father. Fear isn’t from God, and it won’t improve your decision making.
Turn off the media for a few minutes and read your Bible… Remember that this is the day the Lord has made and rejoice knowing He will control it. Stop turning inward and trembling, look outward at the power of God… Instead of feeling threatened by people who disagree with you, try loving them like God loved you when you were lost.
Every Tuesday we discuss choices, and you have one to make today.
Either follow the crowd and spend the day looking for reasons to be fearful… Or be different and trust God.
If you choose fear, you’ll blend in… If you choose faith, you’ll be distinctively peaceful, and people will be drawn to you like moths to a flame… Tell them God’s bigger than their problems... Let them know they can trust God and that today was created for something more productive than being anxious.
“Worry ends where faith in God begins.” – Anonymous
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