Conspiracy and Fear

"Are you fearful of the future?" the man behind the counter at the auto repair shop asked me. He is and said so emphatically. He wonders about providing for his family in these uncertain times. His is concerned about his children's security in a world where war and violence are much in the news. He sees the decline of morality and fears what kind of nation this will be in years to come. As a Christian, he feels guilty about his fear because he thinks it is evidence of a lack of faith.

There is real reason for anxiety at this time. The seeds of destruction are planted in our culture; known for its self-indulgence, feeling of entitlement, and near complete lack of God awareness. Then, too, the weapons of war in our world are vastly more powerful than in the past, making the possibility of suffering much more probable. The Church, which has the words of life, is anemic, so wrapped up with the world that she is incapable of calling for repentance and return to God which could save us. Yet I am hopeful, concerned but not afraid. Why? Because God will keep His people and bring us home. Even if America collapses under the weight of her sin, (and I think she will) those whose hope is in the Lord have the promise of peace. God does not promise to protect my way of life, but He says that He will keep ME!

Isaiah preached in a dreadful time for his nation. It was on the brink of destruction, a powerful empire on its borders threatened. Spiritual complacency gripped the people. Yet the Spirit spoke through him and told the faithful: "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary."   There would be suffering ahead for Judah because the Lord was going to allow the invasion, but He would not abandon His people forever. "For both houses of Israel he (God) will be a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare." (Isaiah 8:12-14, NIV)

If we allow fear for the future to control us, we will lose our ability to serve the Lord. We will turn inward, focusing all our efforts on preserving our stuff instead of our soul! Jesus says, "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Luke 12:4-7, NIV)

When the news of calamity and the theories of conspiracies of evil men swirl around you, turn to the Lord in prayer. Don't just pray for relief or for a bubble of safety. Pray instead that the fear of things to come will be replaced by an awesome sense of His love and purposes. Serve Him with such intensity that you have no need to worry. Here's a word from the Word. It's wisdom for the fearful. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (Proverbs 1:7, NIV) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)