Fear or Faith?

The whole world — the entire world as we know it — is living in sort of fear in the uncertainty of this time and this particular situations. 

A whole world who share the same fear of a fast spreading virus that is effecting every one on earth.

A truth that we are all experiencing without exception.

This thought began this morning as I walked my dog in the brisk, cold, mighty wind blowing powerfully around me.  And I thought of the wind as the Spirit of God moving across the earth taking care of whatever needs be being taken care of.  

And my prayer was: let it be so.

I remember hearing in class one day, long long time ago, that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”  

I have never claimed to be a fan of U.S. History; but that line caught my young mind in a powerful way that day.

Franklin D Roosevelt,  I learned on google a moment ago,  said those word in an inaugural address in 1933.  A time in our history when the Great Depression was at its worst.  

It was a powerful address to a paralyzed nation.  I recommend you read it.

Now it is true that the Great Depression was not about a major health issue — as we are experiencing today. 

However the fear experienced then, as is now, is an emotion that paralyzes our since of direction.

So I went to my source, of supportable knowledge, The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, and looked up the word fear in the Greek and Hebrew definitions.

“To flee, fright, panic, quake, tremble — an emotion developed from the action of being startled and running away: equals fear…..Since fear brings oppression and anxiety, the absence of fear is worth seeking….it is associated also with to honor and signifies respect …. The reasons for fear are war, death, enslavement, loss of a loved one, disaster……….Trust in God brings freedom from fear.” (p 1272)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;

      all those who practice it have a good understanding.(Ps. 111)