Horrific attacks on innocent victims in Paris stirred emotions of horror, disbelief, and sadness that humans can stoop so low. It’s impossible to hear the reports and see pictures of the carnage and not identify with the victims.

Next, come thoughts that it could happen here. In my neighborhood. At one of my gatherings. Or worse, the victims could include my loved-ones.

Fear creeps in, threatening, as you tell yourself that it’s across the ocean, not here. But deep down, you know that next time it could be here. The wave of fear doesn’t heed the reassurance. It refuses to completely subside.

We’re also fed sales pitches that promote fear of getting the flu, or shingles, or . . .. Then we’re bombarded with news of robberies, murders, school shootings, and possible economic decline. We won’t mention thoughts of possible persecution if you choose to identify as a Christian and stand up for your beliefs. It seems evil prevails, threatening decency, peace, and well-being.

Like the frog in the kettle, we adjust to the onslaught and don’t realize how much fear has invaded our lives. Neither do we see how much it influences our decisions.

The Bible has a lot to say about fear, and the message is consistent and clear. It can be summed up in the verses, “You shall fear only the Lord your God; and you shall worship Him, and swear by His name. You shall not follow other gods …” (Deut 6:12-13).

The Word repeatedly tells us to fear God and nothing else. If we trust in God, we are not to fear the things happening around us.

These verses reveal something else we need to consider. Fear is linked to worship. The verses tell us to fear only God, worship Him, swear by His name, and don’t follow other gods. When fear rules our lives, we follow the thing we fear, not God.  Our fears, and how we respond to them, are an indication of who/what we trust (to care for us), and who/what we are following.

In other words, fear is a signal that we are not trusting/fearing God.

The threat of ISIS is real, and the possibility of being a victim of a robbery or murder is too, much less the possibility of catching the flu. However, rather than being anxious and listening to fear-talk within and around us, we need to look to God.

When God cut a covenant with Abram, we’re told, “the word of the Lord came to
Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you, your reward shall be very great’” (Gen. 15:1).

If God is our shield—and He promised in covenant He would be—do we have a better option for our protection? Is anyone or anything more sure than God?

Furthermore, He is always with us. When Joshua was leading the children into the Promised Land, a land of strong, armed giants, God said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9).

God is not only the best defense system imaginable, He is with us always.

We can listen to(trust) the fear-mongers, or we can trust the Lord to be our shield.

I am not strong or courageous. When I consider the world today, I’m filled with questions and uncertainty about tomorrow. Then anxiety and fear silently creeps in.

However, my spirit soars when I turn my gaze on the Lord and remember that He is with me, that I am His, and He is my shield. I am strengthened and my fear subsides.  When I read of His faithfulness in the Word, confidence and peace increase.

“Perfect love casts out fear” (1 Jo 4:16). God’s love for us is perfect. He will care for us, no matter what happens. If we find ourselves fearful, all we have to do is run to Him and His love.

When terror strikes, we don’t need to fear. we can cry to Him to help us, because, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1). He “is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?” (Ps. 27:1).

 

Learn more about the blood covenant and God’s promise to be our shield in the book, The Great Exchange: Bound by Blood. Knowing the seven exchanges of the ancient ritual of cutting covenant strengthens faith as you see the depth of God’s promises to His people through covenant.