2 Timothy 1: 7 NKJV
I have a co worker who should be the poster child for anyone who looks at life as that half empty glass. No matter the positive news, he will do his best to put a negative spin on it. Normally, I try not to spend too much time in the company of these types of people, but inevitably more than a few of them cross my path. We all know people like this. People who, despite life's best efforts to show them something positive, choose to find fault in it. In light of recent events in our country, pessimists seem to be having a field day. I'll admit that much of the bad news is put forth by our mainstream media, but that's their job. Bad news and heartbreak keep us tuned in and make them money. However, we have a choice as to what we choose to allow into our own thoughts. I'll admit that I see myself as a optimist, always have. No matter the bad news, I try to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Believe me, I've taken plenty of criticism over the years for holding on to my belief that not everything is as bad as it seems at first. Even with the recent China virus scare gripping our country, I can see the positive side. I see a president who is as eager as I am to get this proud nation back to some sense of normalcy. We have never been a nation of pessimists. We, as a people, have always gravitated towards finding solutions, solving problems and taking the lead when the rest of the world sees the glass as half full. Even now, the United States is leading the way in the fight against the COVID19 virus. We are a nation of opportunities, and that is never more apparent than in times of crisis. I heard a radio pastor the other day lamenting the fact that God would use such a illness to "punish" His people. Of course, I know that this is old covenant teaching and is simply not true. However, there are plenty of pessimists out there who will absorb the pastors words thinking that they are indeed true. The apostle Paul, in writing to young Timothy, advised him of fears proper place in life. In Paul's words, we were never created with a "spirit of fear" {2 Timothy 1:7}. When I see Jesus, I do not see fear, I see hope. Hope in a wonderful future. See, there I go being an optimist again. I believe that it is never our Lords intention to keep us trembling in fear.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
1 John 4: 18 NKJV
For me the equation is simple. We should not fear as there is no fear in love...and God is love {1 John 4:8}. It is no secret that a lot of our own fears are based on the unknown. We fear what we don't know. We fear any outcome we're unsure of. Believe me, I've been there. I remember my mother, whenever those tough times in life would come along, would immediately kneel down and pray. Yes, she was afraid, but she also knew a God who transcended her fears. She knew a God who would speak into her heart words of comfort, not fear. I believe there are a good number of our fears that come about because we're unsure of what God is going to do in any given situation. I get it. Will He provide for me? Will He calm me? Will He accept me? I think I can answer this in a one word answer...YES. God has never been in the business of bringing fear upon His children. He is our loving Father. Wait, weren't the Israelites afraid to speak to God? Was it not the people who, having seen the lightning on that mountain said to Moses "but let not God speak with us, lest we die" {Exodus 20:19}. Those Israelites were afraid of the unknown. Seeing the lightning and hearing then thunder, they trembled in fear. We know, however, that this was simply how God chose to exhibit Himself to His people. There was no need for them to fear the Lord. So, how is it that God shows Himself today? What is that image in which we see Him? God is simply not a photo we stare at in times of need. He is as alive and real as you and I. In fact, it is here where God chooses to show Himself to the world. Paul tells us that it is Christ Jesus who lives in us today {Galatians 2:20}. How does God show Himself? Through the lives of those He lives in. I know that each day, God shows Himself to the world through me. This might be difficult to wrap your understanding around, but I believe that it goes hand in hand with Paul's words in Galatians. If Jesus is in us, then God is in us. There's nothing there to be afraid of.
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
Romans 8: 15 NKJV
~Scott~
No comments:
Post a Comment