Faith and fear may sound like opposites, but I believe they are both about focusing on something. Making anything an object of our focus, the central thing in our lives, that is where our faith develops. It is easy to focus on any number of fears.
The world has experienced many different things over the years that can lead us to fear. Pearl Harbor for the WWII generation did much to define them. 9/11 was the huge trauma for the boomers, the Gen Xers, and older Millennials. Then Covid came along, this time for the entire world, not only a number of waring nations.
When fear becomes one’s grid, it can become one’s decision defining focus. It becomes a faith of its own. It traps us into fear. Cancer is a word that we all respect, or fear, and rightly so. It is a diagnosis that historically changes, even ends lives here, forever.
I am not saying we are to be in anyway disrespectful or unloving of anyone we may disagree with. It is a challenge when not everyone is getting the same information. But, faith and fear do not go together well.
When we focus on the person of our Creator God, as both all-powerful, and all loving, our perspective begins to moderate. The Bible tells us the perfect Love of God casts out all fear. 1 John 4: 18-19
The more we glance at our fears and gaze on our loving Creator, the more fear melts away. Focusing on the Biblical God begins to help us reframe our fears. Worship of all kinds, spending time with others who love Jesus, all help with moving from fear, to faith in Jesus.
Abba, I offer my faith and fear to you. I place them all before you to rearrange as you see fit. I choose to receive back, only what you want me to have. Grow your love in me to give to those around me. Forgive me where I have held my understandings too tightly. May my faith in you flourish, abounding in your perfect love.
Your photo is a beautiful image of God’s power in creation. Your words are a beautiful picture of God’s power at work in us. I went to bed last night with concern for three bodies found within a couple of miles of my house. My daughter in Buffalo was concerned that I was able to sleep peacefully. I told her, “whether we live or we die, we win.” She agreed. I will be praying for the families that lost loved ones yesterday in my peaceful community.
Oh MY! I am sorry I am behind on relying. He is our guard! Proverbs 19:21 The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run in to it and are safe. Blessings of sound sleep to you!