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NEW YEAR…NEW FEARS?

Joe Carroll

The Year Has Changed But Have Your Fears?

On January 1st, the calendar changed but did your fears?  Many of our core fears never change.  They just change faces.  They masquerade behind new circumstances.  As I look over my shoulder, I see these cores fears are following.

  1. The Fear of Uncertainty:  In my lifetime, the amount of “uncertainty” across the world is at an all-time high.  Uncertainty about the virus.  Uncertainty about our health…about our government…about our schools…about our jobs.  We yearn for return to “normality” (whatever that is). 

Yet, “predictability” is an illusion.  Always has been.  Always will be.  Let’s face it.  We like to be in control. 

  • The Fear of “Those People”:  Individuals are being lumped into groups.  The “left” and the “right” daily exchange hate mail.  Race animosity has surged.  Groups vehemently claim they are the ones sharing the truth.  Individual human respect is being lost in the crowd identity.  The result:  Fear escalates where trust is eroded.    
  • The Fear of Isolation:  More people are working alone, living alone, dying alone.  Human touch is scarce.  “In-person” requires “distance”.  Even introverts fear isolation.  One of the saddest epitaphs I hear is when someone dies alone.  Something else is also very sad….to be around people and still feel “alone”.

Fear can be more lethal to the soul than a virus is to the body.

 Fear depletes your vitality and damage to your relationships.

Faith is the vaccine for the soul.

Faith dissolves fear.  Yet it’s not just faith that is powerful.  Faith is only as powerful as the object it’s placed in.  David experienced this when he said, “the Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom should I be afraid.” (Ps. 27:1 NIV)  Note this psalmist’s declaration about the power of faith in God amidst fear.  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way.” (Ps. 46:1-2 NIV)

God promises us that if we trust in Him “will have no fear of bad news”.  Our hearts will be “secure” and “will have no fear.” (Ps. 112:7-8 NIV)

May we be quick in recognizing fear and exposing it for what it is.  May we follow Joshua’s admonition, “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  (Joshua 1:9 NIV)