Written By Tom Scavuzzo, Elder
Fear! Fear can be paralyzing.
Fear of failure is at the top of the list for many people. Fear of the dentist, doctor, police, spiders, rejection, loneliness, disease; these fears top other people’s lists. For me, I hate snakes! Growing up, I was so afraid of them, I couldn’t talk, laugh, joke, or even spit when my buddies and I were trying to catch one. I didn’t want to reveal my fear to the gang, but inwardly I was thrilled when we moved onto a different activity. For many, it’s the fear of death that tops the “head of the class.” Now, the new COVID-19 virus is crippling our church, our community, our state, our nation, and our world. How do we keep our fear in check when it controls every part of our lives? It’s not easy to overcome this disease, but having faith in God, we can manage that emotion. Why does God tell us hundreds of times, “FEAR NOT?” Because He loves us, He knows us, and He understands that we all walk through fear and anxiety. In His love, God gave us the solution!
God gave us the greatest Book on earth. He offers His answers throughout the 66 books in the Bible, and He wants us to read the words and know His truth. The Holy Spirit-inspired-words are for us to live by. His message demonstrates faith, hope, and love, not fear. The Bible is a Life Manual for us to be Christ-like and to overcome our emotional disabilities. So, where do we find in this Great Book how to conquer our fear? I believe the Apostle Paul wrote it best, in Philippians 4:6-7, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Those words are soothing to the soul, knowing the depth of our Lord and Savior’s love.
Another comforting verse, also written by Paul, is Hebrews 13:6, “So we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear, what can man do to me?” The Apostle Peter wrote, 1 Peter 5:6-7, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” Our God wants us to heave our fears on Him, so we will not be afraid.
Yes, we should adhere to all the precautions from contracting COVID-19; but we shouldn’t be incapacitated by the fear of it. Put your faith in our Lord and Savior, as Jesus spoke in Matthew 11:29-30, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” God loves us so much He gave us His only begotten Son! HE gave us our answer to fear; it is in JESUS CHRIST. Now, read our Bibles, pray, give thanks to our Lord, and watch your fears dissipate.
