 While plotting out my blog plan for April, I originally scheduled a post for today on being creative and keeping busy at home. Instead, on a whim, I sat down and typed up something a little different that I want to share with you. I want to ask you a question that has been haunting me since the COVID-19 pandemic began. A few days ago, I listened as a popular vlogger tearfully assured her viewers that it is okay to be afraid. We are living in scary times, she reminded. You don't have to pretend everything is all right, because it's not. People are being hurt. Bad things are taking place. Go ahead and be upset. I understand the desire to be sensitive toward those who are actually hurting from COVID-19 - but I can't bring myself to believe that she is right. The topic of FEAR is such a deep and complex one that I hesitate to even dip my toes in and say a word about it. But I want to challenge my Christian readers with this - Is it okay to be afraid? FEAR itself is not a sin. It is an emotion, plain and simple. But there comes a point when we are given the choice to make it into more than that. Emotions are the kind of thing that will "rule or be ruled". We make the choice whether they define us or not. Fear becomes dangerous when we justify it. It's all right to be afraid. Yes, God has it under control, but you can still be upset. In times like these, that's only natural. But can that kind of FEAR or anxiety and our FAITH in Christ really go hand-in-hand? "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) How can we justify fear when He has already overcome the world? If you think about it, letting ourselves fall prey to FEAR is essentially telling Jesus "yes, I believe that You are the almighty Son of God who has saved me from my sin, BUT, I don't trust You enough to take care of this, so I'll go on worrying about tomorrow." As Christians, we are a new creation. Obviously life as a Christian is not guaranteed to be easy, but we are guaranteed that God will never leave us, and we are promised eternal life. That kind of hope should look different from the rest of the world. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18) We are given a reason to rejoice and "be of good cheer". In fact, we are commanded to (Philippians 4:4-7). The joy of the Lord is our strength and our witness to the world. Yes, fear is a natural, God-given emotion, but not one that we should be giving ourselves permission to dwell on. Justifying the right to be upset doesn't help us relate to those who are hurting or project an image of sensitivity - it projects an image of someone who doesn't really believe what they say they do. Reading through 1 John, I am constantly overwhelmed by the common theme of joy that runs through every chapter. Living joyfully is an indelible mark of any passionate Christian. It does not mean that we turn a blind eye to the anxieties and very real fears of others. In fact, it does the exact opposite. By obeying Christ's command, "fear not", and countering our emotions with the TRUTH of His Word, we are set free to offer TRUE compassion and TRUE love to the world around us. We are no longer trapped in our own bubble of self-preservation and anxiety. Instead, we become shining lights of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. So is it all right to be afraid? Fear is inevitable. Maybe the real question is, when you are afraid, will you trust in Him? 
17 Comments
Jenn Vachon
4/3/2020 05:55:30 am
Anita,
Anita
4/3/2020 06:39:51 am
"Living in fear is not trusting in God but we can live with fear if with trust in God" - That is such a neat thought. Thanks so much for commenting!
Megan
4/3/2020 07:32:38 am
Really good post, the world needs this!! Thank you Anita!!!
Anita
4/8/2020 09:14:23 am
Aw, thank you, Megan! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! <3
Alyssa
4/3/2020 09:36:40 am
Thank you for writing this, Anita! 😊
Anita
4/8/2020 09:15:15 am
Thanks, Alyssa! <3 That's a wonderful verse - thanks for reminding me of it! 4/3/2020 05:29:00 pm
Thank you for this perspective Anita! We do not have permission to dwell on or allow our fear to magnify, but we also not have to feel guilty for being a little anxious. Hallo from MB!
Celeste Lawrenson
4/3/2020 05:35:48 pm
Oh, and is that picture yours? It's amazing!
Anita
4/8/2020 09:16:30 am
Hello back! <3 Thanks for the thoughts, Celeste! (No, the picture isn't mine - I wish!)
Doreen Krzebetkowski
4/3/2020 05:44:51 pm
Wonderful words Anita. I do not believe we are to have fear. I have always said the Lord will take care of us. Now is the time for me to trust him to do that.
Anita
4/8/2020 09:17:09 am
*hugs* So true!! 4/4/2020 11:44:42 am
Well said! I completely agree. Of all people, Christian should be the most fearless if we truly believe our King & all His promises. It's certainly our human nature to allow Fear to overcome us, but we should be living constantly in God's Light & fervent prayer to help remind us that Fear has no control.
Anita
4/8/2020 09:18:55 am
Amen, Sarah! I'm glad that you appreciated my thoughts - thank you so much for commenting yours! It is inspiring to see other Christians living passionately for the Lord.
Amy
4/5/2020 01:45:20 am
Thank you Anita! You've explained this so well and it's super helpful. :)
Anita
4/8/2020 09:19:35 am
Thank you Amy, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! <3
Jacob Kramer
8/26/2020 08:13:25 pm
Very well thought out! I think most honest Christians feel fear, I know I struggle with being afraid sometimes. But the Bible says “thou shalt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee” that’s probably the hardest part, not letting anything come between you and your Saviour in your thought life. Keep up the good work!
Anita S.
8/27/2020 02:33:57 pm
Thanks Jacob! Yes, that verse is a family favorite right now - both comforting and convicting at the same time, haha. Leave a Reply. |
