Solomon wrote “Boast not thyself of tomorrow for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1, emphasis added). These words have never been truer than they are today. The expectation of a “routine” day has been shattered. Even a simple trip to the grocery store has the promise of anything but certainty. The specter of the unknown rattles our thinking and we find ourselves scrutinizing events and circumstances that would otherwise belong to the mundane operations of our sub-conscious. Fear comes into play more than it ever did and we feel defenseless against its sudden rise – or so we think.
That many of us feel this way in these times is not surprising. But for the child of God, we need not allow those feelings to reign. Paul reminded timid Timothy that “God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). The child of God is not immune to fear, but rather overcomes it.
The word “power” speaks to the enabling that is effective in dismantling the shackles of fear and, thus, allowing the believer to do or say what the situation genuinely requires. Courage then is not the absence of fear, but rather the boldness to act while staring it in the face. Furthermore, fear is focused on self and immobilizes the will to act. God couples with that spirit of power a love that quenches self-interest. This love governs the use of that power or enabling for good. Love always does what is good, what is best, what is right for that is the very nature of love. I am reminded often that I need not like someone, but I must always love them.
Finally, God channels the operation of power and love through the grid of a disciplined or “sound” mind. Our grip on truth must be held firmly and not dislodged by our emotions so that we may act and not react. Solomon wrote, “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding, but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly (Proverbs 14:29).
Child of God, the Savior wants to use us as channels of his grace and truth in these trying times. We must not let fear disengage us from our God-appointed opportunities, whether small or large. We must play the part and not give way to fear. May we resolve to follow Him, trust Him, and serve Him.
From the Chaplain 