I Refuse To Live In Fear- A Christian Perspective

I refuse to live in fear. This has been my mantra in light of recent world events. I refuse to live in fear- a Christian Perspective.

I’ve been seeing a lot of FEAR posts on social media lately. The situation with Israel and Palestine is heartbreaking and terrifying! I have no idea what will be going on in the world by the time this post is published. (I’m starting to write it on Friday, October 20, 2023.)

I hope this post brings a little hope and encouragement.

I’m planning on publishing this post on Wednesday, Oct 25th– a day I’m leaving for a long awaited trip to New York city. We were supposed to go last January for my birthday, but Dr. T and I got COVID instead. We had no idea when we booked this trip several months ago that at the time of our trip there would be unrest all over the world after Hamas’ horrible attack on Israel civilians and Israel’s defense was unleashed.

I was heartbroken for Jews to see such hatred and brutal attacks against them. I never thought I would see crime against Jews that equaled what was seen during the Holocaust. It is equally heartbreaking to see so many civilian families in Gaza whose lives will never be the same because of Israel’s need to rid the region of Hamas terrorists.

And so, here we are, the US state department has issued a warning to travelers both inside and outside our country. Worldwide Caution Advisory

I Refuse To Live In Fear- A Christian Perspective

Here is my overall thought right now: Terrorists win when we live in terror.

I refuse to live in fear! I refuse to change travel plans because I don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

This thought brings me back to the fearful social media posts that are complete fear-mongering! We are not meant to live in a constant state of fear! As a Christian, I know that God only wants the best for me. I’m thankful that my pastor addressed this issue in an email to our church family early on in this crisis. He first reminded us that a lot of what was being shared on social media wasn’t the reality of the situation.

Lesson #1– Only listen to trusted sources for your news.

Lesson #2– If someone you follow causes you to feel anxious or fearful, stop following them. Chances are they are profiting from your fear.

My pastor also spoke to the posts that speak to the Christian Biblical prophecy about the end times. The bible is very specific about what will happen before, during and after the Second coming of Christ. My pastor’s view- None of it should change my mission as a Christian.

I believe that we can trust the New Testament prophecies about Christ’s Second coming because the Old Testament prophecies about his first coming were completely accurate.

The only thing that the bible doesn’t answer is when. Well, darn- that’s no good!

But, here is the truth!

Speak Truth Over Your Life

Lesson #3– Whether Christ returns tomorrow or 1,000 years from now, it shouldn’t change how I live today.

Therefore, knowing the exact time is irrelevant! Here’s a news flash- I better be living my life today as a Christian should– Sharing Christ’s love and giving this broken world a glimpse of heaven.

Lesson #4- The day/hour I first believed started my time in eternity. Eternity starts now. It isn’t a goal for going to heaven when I die. I’m living my eternity today and into eternity.

As it was posed to me in a sermon many years ago, “Is Jesus the Lord of your life, or is he just your fire insurance policy?”

If I am a Christian, I need to be living my Christian life today and benefitting from this life of “abundance” that Jesus wants me to have.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

I am vowing not to live in fear and anxiety. Yes, I am heartbroken over what I see in the news, and I’m praying for the families of all those still held hostage. I’m praying for God to intervene in a might way!

Let Us Pray

Almost every day, I write in a prayer journal using the Lord’s Prayer as my guide. I’m writing a book in hopes to share this journal with others because I’ve learned to much!

When I pray my prayer for the words “They Kingdom Come,” I’m not praying only about a future event. I’m praying to live in the hope of that kingdom today. I’m praying for God to use me to bring a glimpse of that perfect kingdom here on earth now!

What does the Bible say about fear?

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4

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 your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

There are many more verses than these. Now is a good time to do a word study with the word FEAR. See for yourself everything that the Bible says.