“Where can I go in the Bible for encouragement and hope in the face of fear?”
Dear Friends,
Well, 2008 is over. Part of me is nostalgic for the memories and growth that I gained in 2008. Another part of me is ready for a fresh start following a very tumultuous year. Although I usually love to debate economics and politics, the intensity of the challenges that America faced in both of those arenas last year left me worn out and unsettled at times.
As campaign promises morph into inauguration realities, and as economic stimulus packages morph into partisan frustrations, it can be disheartening to watch the big issues of Washington and Wall Street dissolve into a thousand daily pieces that may or may not ever be resolved.
Wouldn’t it be great if campaign promises could be transformed into day-to-day change? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our elected officials really could break down the “big issues” into daily, manageable issues that they could address and manage?
Our personal fears are also “big issues.” The enormity of what may happen down the road can sideline us. And, we sometimes feel terrified of how we see our past choices playing out in our current situations. Fear can cloud our perspective, alter our decision-making abilities, and interrupt our relationships. Financially, when we fear, we can be tempted to extremes. Some of us may hoard our wealth or some may borrow our way into a feeling of security.
The beauty of being a follower of Christ is that we have the privilege of breaking down those “big issues” of fear into a daily walk with the Lord that will restore us and free us. An article that is linked on today’s email mentions that the mandate, “do not fear” occurs 365 times in Scripture - one time for every day of the year.
Since fears feel bigger than today, since we are designed to live daily in this world, and since time in God’s Word slowly heals fearful places in our hearts, I encourage you to use the many Scriptures that are in the email, in the article links, and on the video to call your heart back to Truth. In 2009, every day, take your “big issues” of fear, bring them before your Father, and choose to believe God’s promises to be enough for your day.
May God’s peace encourage you as you pursue financial wisdom and depend on His Truth.
Blessings,
Ron
Click here for the video transcript
Well, 2008 is over. Part of me is nostalgic for the memories and growth that I gained in 2008. Another part of me is ready for a fresh start following a very tumultuous year. Although I usually love to debate economics and politics, the intensity of the challenges that America faced in both of those arenas last year left me worn out and unsettled at times.
As campaign promises morph into inauguration realities, and as economic stimulus packages morph into partisan frustrations, it can be disheartening to watch the big issues of Washington and Wall Street dissolve into a thousand daily pieces that may or may not ever be resolved.
Wouldn’t it be great if campaign promises could be transformed into day-to-day change? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our elected officials really could break down the “big issues” into daily, manageable issues that they could address and manage?
Our personal fears are also “big issues.” The enormity of what may happen down the road can sideline us. And, we sometimes feel terrified of how we see our past choices playing out in our current situations. Fear can cloud our perspective, alter our decision-making abilities, and interrupt our relationships. Financially, when we fear, we can be tempted to extremes. Some of us may hoard our wealth or some may borrow our way into a feeling of security.
The beauty of being a follower of Christ is that we have the privilege of breaking down those “big issues” of fear into a daily walk with the Lord that will restore us and free us. An article that is linked on today’s email mentions that the mandate, “do not fear” occurs 365 times in Scripture - one time for every day of the year.
Since fears feel bigger than today, since we are designed to live daily in this world, and since time in God’s Word slowly heals fearful places in our hearts, I encourage you to use the many Scriptures that are in the email, in the article links, and on the video to call your heart back to Truth. In 2009, every day, take your “big issues” of fear, bring them before your Father, and choose to believe God’s promises to be enough for your day.
May God’s peace encourage you as you pursue financial wisdom and depend on His Truth.
Blessings,
Ron
Click here for the video transcript
Very helpful and insiteful. Thank you! Many people will benefit from reading this in todays situations (financial fears, personal fears. etc.)
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A very relevant topic in today's current economic crisis - thank you!
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What great scripture to fend off fear. So much is going on in the world right now that we need to be armed with scripture, so that we do not fall victim to being "of" the world. Thanks!
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Thank you! I have been feeling weary from the evilness in this world. One of my students has been hurt deeply, abused. My daughter's acting out and opened up to me about how she feels her dad hates her because he never comes to see her or answer his phone. She is taking all her anger out on me and the family. She said she hates me. My dad almost died on Monday and is in the hospital. I've been strong and pray and read my bible constantly but feel very worn from this world.
I finally got out of bed today and this was the first email I read. I needed to hear these exact scriptures to remind me that HE is there and knows. That all these things shall pass. That I need to stay faithful and strong and continue loving and helping those who are hurting and share the love of Jesus with them. I will not fear. I know I am in HIS hands and HE is holding me.
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