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Strange fears possess the souls of many. Even some great ones of the earth have not been free from them. Dr. [Samuel] Johnson (author of A Dictionary of the English Language), with all his philosophy, was very careful not to enter a room with his left foot foremost. If by any chance he did so, he would immediately step back and reenter with his right foot foremost. He was terribly afraid of death, too, and would not suffer it to be mentioned in his presence. Julius Caesar, to whom the shouts of thousands of the enemy were but sweet music, was mortally afraid of the sound of thunder and always wanted to be underground to escape the dreadful noise. Marshal Saxe (French military hero), who loved to look upon the ranks of opposing armies, fled and screamed in terror at the sight of a cat. Peter the Great (Russia’s historic hero) could scarcely be persuaded to cross a bridge, and whenever he placed his foot on one he would cry out with fear.
—Handfuls on Purpose, James Smith and Robert Lee
This quote from a biblical commentary of decades ago captures well the fears that have so unreservedly plagued the human race, even the most courageous among us. Over the past several weeks, fear has gripped our entire world. Since the outbreak of the current COVID-19 pandemic (a terminology which just a few short weeks ago seemed more akin to science fiction than the nightly news), fear has become the common currency of emotion, even among many in our own community. It is difficult to fathom that our own community could have so radically changed so quickly. In an attempt to stop the spread of a virus for which so many in the medical profession have little knowledge regarding how it is contracted or even how deadly it can be, our health and government officials have ordered that the majority of the population stay home. While most of us are not in mortal danger, the extreme measures mandated to mitigate the virus have exposed our worst of fears.
Whether it be in watching the nightly news reports, passing by the abandoned parks and ballfields, or in navigating the local grocery stores marked with social distancing lines and shoppers donning masks, the most dreaded fears of humanity have been brought to the light. Just a few short weeks ago, these fears may have lurked in the recesses of our minds, but they were too extreme to mention as possibility. But the draconian measures ordered to halt the transmission of this disease have brought to surface fears which we had rather ignore.
Yet, if faith in Jesus Christ provides us any hope, it is that our greatest fears are silenced in the light of His presence and promises. There are hundreds of references in both the Old and New Testaments in which God’s people are encouraged and commanded to “Fear Not!” One such passage is found in David’s writing. On this particular occasion, the excessive dangers of his situation become obvious as we note that David is being hunted by King Saul and has sought refuge with the mortal enemies of God’s people (1 Samuel 21:10-15). He would act like a madman in order to escape with his life! Yet, in the midst of grave dangers abounding all about him, he would write, “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). Though we may long for circumstances in which we sense greater control, faith to which we are called in Christ actually flourishes in times like these.
While the four following fears lurk in the depths of every human soul, the Scriptures expose each fear as the powerless imposter it is in the life of the Christ follower.
1. Death
This fear, though always present in the human experience, has become most prominent from the outset of this pandemic. The daily alerts of growing numbers infected and that have succumbed to the disease has created a paralyzing effect upon many. Even when the restrictions for contact are loosened, many are still afraid of the mortal dangers of this sickness. And while we should not foolishly ignore healthy and life-preserving measures, even death, and the fear it induces, has been conquered by our King (2 Timothy 1:10). We do not fear death, for it is the means God uses to bring us into His presence.
2. Isolation
With the onset of stay-at-home orders and the constant bombardment of media proclamation that we are “heroic” for insulating ourselves from each other, we have cut off human contact. We have intentionally succumbed ourselves to a form of punishment that the penal system uses with frequency. The fears associated with loneliness can cause deep despair. Yet, while we may be physically isolated, in Christ, we are never alone (Romans 8:38-39). We do not fear isolation because Christ is always near.
3. Privation
Just one trip to the local grocery store exposes the reality of this fear in our community. Shelves have been emptied. Certain items cannot be obtained. Reports of hoarding, price gouging, and barrenness abound. However, for those in Christ, God has promised that He will abundantly supply all of our need (Philippians 4:19). While certain wants may be withheld, God meets our need in His time and way. We do not have to fear privation because our Heavenly Father supplies for His children.
4. Chaos
The political upheaval resulting from this pandemic and the historically unprecedented response has led to great fear. General confusion from every level of leadership has discouraged many in their confidence. Some wonder if our nation can survive such an event. Many predict that anarchy and unrest will be inevitable. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we know that He is King of kings and Lord of lords. The government rests upon His shoulders (Isaiah 9:6). We do not fear chaos because all things are under His dominion.
While we still share a fallen nature that is prone to fear and emotional instability, Christ has made us new in Him! We do not have the spirit of fear any longer. While the world around us may be responding irrationally, we must not and cannot. We must stand upon the promises of God. If those promises are not true in a time such as this, then they never were. But because they are the promises of God, they are reliable. Let us not waiver now. Let the watching world know that we are not afraid.
Jason