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Casting Out Fear


President Franklin D. Roosevelt said during his 1933 inaugural address, “…the only thing we have to fear is fear itself!” He went on to say that we should not fear unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts “to convert retreat into advance.”

Yes, we now have a pandemic with the Coronavirus. We have cause for concern, but must we really live in fear? No, we don’t. We can have a healthy respect of fear. The basic emotion of fear can be good as it guides our “fight or flight” response to stay safe. Fear heightens our sense of awareness to get prepared and to remain vigilant.

But, fear, if allowed, can be dangerous. The negative side to fear is when it holds us back from doing what is right which can lead to panic, clouded thinking, and mayhem. An unhealthy response to fear can cause unnecessary panic,  misleading posts on Facebook, dissemination of rumors as fact and on a grander scale could even lead to inciting riots, mass crowds overwhelming local stores, stampedes and even death.

1 John 4:18 says that “There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out all fear….” God is love. God’s love is perfect and unconditional. The closer we are to God and his love, the less power fear can have over us because we are basking in God’s continual presence, strength, comfort, and guidance.

This love is more than a head-knowledge of “yes, I know God loves me.” It is living out this belief by seeking after God intimately in order to dwell deeply within this love. We must be actively pursuing God through a personal, intimate, and obedient relationship with him. We must be intentional and guard against being sporadic in our pursuit.

There are many things happening in the world today that can be frightening. May we combat all fear, to prevent our own paralysis, by heeding the words of James 4:8, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” Purposely draw near to God and rest in his love and peace.

If you are still unsure what drawing near to God “looks like,” may we suggest you contact your pastor, youth leader or a trusted, mature Christian who can answer this for you and possible come along side you to become a mentor to help you pursue God deeper in your life. Remember the words of Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

VIDEO to Help Us: Dr. Adrian Rogers: 

"5 Ways to Draw Closer to Jesus" 

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