The Fear Industry

 

Are you afraid? Millions of people are genuinely fearful because fear is stoked by politicians and companies to create a ‘need’ for their solutions!  A decade ago Barry Glassner, wrote words that are just as true today as they were then.  "I think there is a fear industrial complex." He is the author of a book with this provocative title: The Culture of Fear: Why Americans Are Afraid of the Wrong Things.

He makes a strong case that there really is a fear industry made up of activist groups, politicians, and corporations who want us to give them our money or our vote so that they can eliminate the dangers they trumpet so loudly to us. Fear is a powerful motivator that usually has negative long-term results. Fear makes us reactionary instead of purposeful.

Glassner asks - "Whenever somebody's trying to scare us, the question to ask is 'Are they benefiting from it, and in what way?'" said Glassner. "If they're selling us a product, if they're selling us their political campaign or their cause or whatever it is, we should ask how big is the danger, really? Is it big, is it small, or is it just that they stand to benefit by making us scared?"  (https://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=2898636&page=1)

Perhaps as you read those opening words you think I am naïve or out of touch with reality.  “Jerry, don’t you know that our economy is fragile, that war drums beat loudly, that …”  Yes, I do! I am concerned about the banking crisis. I pray daily for an end to the death and destruction in Ukraine. I wonder about the growing power of China and the possibility of war. As I age, I sometimes get afraid of what the next decade may bring my way personally.  BUT, I refuse to let the ‘experts’ that predict doom, destruction, and death to own my thoughts and to scare me half to death!

Jesus counsels us this way. “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill you. They can only kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows." (Matthew 10:28-31, NLT)  Read those words again. They are a radical prescription for gaining peace.

A deep reverence for God (awe, fear) will keep us
from undue anxiety over our present difficulties!

When I was a little boy I would walk anywhere in the dark with my Dad. When he was next to me, I was secure because I trusted him without question. We are children of the Heavenly Father and we walk with Him, therefore we need not be afraid. Simplistic? Not for me. It is truth that keeps me moving forward with faith and purpose each day. This faith does not eliminate every potential threat to my safety.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, the Proverb says. He causes me to see clearly, to make the best choices, to give my best efforts to positive change when His peace owns my mind and heart.

Christian, we need not numb ourselves with alcohol, drugs, pleasure, or ‘stuff’ when fear stalks us. The better choice is worship, true humility before God, giving ourselves to His care. Our peace is a gift of God. You CAN choose your thought for you are not a helpless victim. What thoughts lead us to overcome the conspiracies of the fear industry? Paul says this: “Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable … things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

The word from the Word is a declaration. I pray that you will humbly give Him your cares.
"God has said,
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6, NIV)

Be not afraid!

(Video of this blog at this link)

____________________

The Haven Of Rest

My soul in sad exile was out on life's sea
So burdened with  sin and distressed
Till I heard a sweet voice
Saying make Me your choice
And I entered the Haven of Rest

I've anchored my soul
in the Haven of Rest
I'll sail the wide seas no more
The tempest may sweep
o'er the wild stormy deep
In Jesus I'm safe evermore

I yielded myself to His tender embrace
And faith taking hold of the Word
My fetters fell off and I anchored my soul
The Haven of Rest is my Lord

 

George D. Moore | Henry Lake Gilmour

© Words: Public Domain