Facing Fears as Christians - LPNI
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Facing Fears as Christians
LPNI Health Topic – January 2021
We are FINALLY in 2021! 2020 is now behind us! Where did that year go? That year, as well as each one of us, have been consumed by the dreaded and deadly COVID-19 virus and its pandemic spread around the world. If we ask which emotion was and continues to be the most prevalent in our lives, we would get as many answers as we have people responding. However, I suspect that the one most overwhelming emotion voiced is fear. How do we respond to that fear, both real and imagined, as Christians?
Many, if not all of us, minister to persons who are so fearful of what MAY happen, that the inherent blessings of each day are missed. The what if’s and if only’s rule their lives. But if I am honest, sometimes I, too, am that person. I seem to believe that if I worry enough, I can change things! I am afraid that I will not be able to make things better, unless I worry and fret about them. The truth is I CANNOT, by my own reason or strength, make things better.
Scripture tells us in Matthew 6:34 LSB Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Oh, if only we could put those words into practice! I trust that we have all had times when fear, panic, or anxiety overtook us. We are broken people living in a broken world and constantly being tempted by the evil one. If we rely solely on ourselves, fear, panic, and anxiety will be the result. But if we call upon Jesus Christ and are strengthened through HIM, we will be able to experience faith over fear and peace will reign in our lives amidst pandemics and chaos in our world today.
Philippians 4:6-7 LSB tells us, 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 minds with Jesus.
Let us replace fear with faith, doubt with trust, panic with peace, and anxiety with the knowledge that God is in control. Living as Christians in a broken world, we have the peace, presence, and power within us as sons and daughters of the King to hold on to the perfect promises of Jesus that he will never leave us, never forsake us, and always be present with us! Thanks be to our gracious and loving God!
Sue Neff, RN, Parish Nurse, retired
9517 Trevors Court
Lakeside, CA 92040 USA
retparishnurse@gmail.com