(Pastor James Scarborough, Donalsonville Assembly of God)

In 1933, during one of the most bleak times of the Great Depression, newly elected President Franklin Roosevelt said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Fear has plagued humanity far too often since sin first entered the human race. Adam's response to God after the first sin was "I heard You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid" (Genesis 3:10, NIV).

I recall going to a doctor several years ago to get the report regarding a lesion he had removed from my body. Rather than waiting for him to tell me the result, I read the report left by the nurse; to my horror, it contained a word none of us like to hear: malignant! Those moments can strike fear into the heart and mind. Thankfully, it was not a life-threatening situation that I faced at that time, nor has it caused any more problems, but it sure got my attention.

We have gone through many fearful times as a nation; certainly, we are in the midst of one right now as we face an uncertain economic future and an ongoing threat of enemy attack.

In the midst of a fear filled society, what should be our attitudes as Christians? How can we face fear? Christ's words in Luke 12 provide perfect and timely insight.

He begins by reminding us who we should not fear: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more" (verse 4). The evils of war, terrorism, and other destructive acts of humanity have only outward impacts on those who love and serve Christ. While they might succeed in killing the body, there is nothing more they can do. Stephen, the first recorded Christian martyr, gives evidence of this truth as he was being stoned to death, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56). While they took his life, they could not touch his soul.

Christ goes on to remind us Who we should fear: "Fear Him Who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell" (verse 5). It is God rather than man that we must fear. Making preparations to endure whatever eventualities might come our way has some merit, but our greatest focus must be on our spiritual well being.

The Lord continues to give guidance on facing fear by providing hope and confidence: "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (verse 7). In verse 6, He had stated that even though sparrows are birds of little worth, God takes note of each of them. We are of far more value to God than sparrows--we do not need to fear.

When you hear words like war, terrorism, or weapons of mass destruction on the news, and cancer, malignant, or terminal disease from your physician, it can generate a lot of fear. Nevertheless, you can face the fearful world and all the evil it contains with bold confidence through faith in Jesus Christ. In moments of fear, meditate on the words of Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."