As a camp counselor in my late teens, homesickness and insecurity plagued me. But the worst was fear. Here I was to protect my littles, and I was afraid of what could be lurking behind the trees. Often, their worries surfaced at night as the shadows fell and the busyness of camp activities stilled. Tucking them into bed, I’d lie on my bunk and softly sing every song I could think of, from “Jesus Loves Me” to bedtime lullabies. It soothed us all, until I would slip out of my cabin to go to the mess hall. The darkness echoed with every twig break and leaf scrunched under my feet. It was at that point I began memorizing 2 Timothy 1:7.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” KJV
I’ve needed that verse in many seasons of life. When fear seizes the world, it reminds us our enemy is on the rampage. He rules this world, but not our hearts. Paul said,
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV
In verse 16, he says, “Therefore, we do not lose heart.”
Go back and see what therefore is there for. He offers purpose and hope, and reminds us in the rest of the chapter, this trouble is temporary. When we fix our eyes on the eternal, the grip of fear is loosened from our minds and hearts. The footnotes in my NIV Bible say, “We live under pressure, perplexity, persecution, and pain. This is part of human existence. Despite all these problems, we know Christ is alive and working through us. This gives us confidence to face life’s threats and problems.”
So, how can we combat the mass hysteria we find in the media?
Philippians 4:8-9 Focus on these things, and peace will come.
Colossians 3:12-17 Pursue these things, and administer grace.
James 4:7-10 Do these things and your enemy will flee.
Have you ever been fly fishing? Does a fisherman drop a line straight down into the water? It’s a graceful sight to behold, as he casts his line far away into the depths. That’s what 1 Peter 5:7 and Psalm 55:22 remind us to do with our troubles; throw them to the Lord and let Him handle them. He will care for you. Don’t panic; pursue peace.
Sally
