There’s another poll out, producer Sherri and I talked about it the other day on our show, about how fearful Americans are.
More than half of those surveyed, said they look ahead to 2022 with fear.
Are there solid, rational reasons to be afraid? Definitely. There’s no doubt about it. I could make a list, and so could you. Things we imagine might happen. Things that are personal, societal, or global. Very real things.
Pretending nothing is happening or whistling “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” can help (by the way, I’m sorry if I totally just put that song in your head on loop for the next five days by mentioning it). As helpful as that might feel in the moment, it only helps for a brief instant in time. Pretending is no way to go through life.
Followers of Jesus have another option. We do not pretend. We acknowledge that there are real reasons to worry, but we supplement those worrisome thoughts with more information. Followers of Christ have true knowledge. Knowledge we should perpetually keep at the forefront of our minds. Knowledge that tells us the that Lord is our fortress.
Check out this scripture passage we read on the air recently from Psalm 27. It might be a great challenge to memorize it:
The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I’m attacked, I will remain confident.
Notice that David isn’t in denial. Every single individual perched around him is real. Their spears and bows are real. David even expressively states “when my enemies attack”, and does not use the conjunction, “if”.
David focuses on the one thing he is certain of. Others quake with fear. Instead of feeding and succumbing to fear, he focuses on what he knows of God. There is no reason to tremble. None whatsoever because David’s Protector has the last word, always.
This is why we can be people who are the non-anxious, and the non-fearful voices in our culture.
We can be a light to those individuals who are anguished and are despairing. We can be the voices of peace and joy. Not because things are hunky-dory, but because the Lord truly is our Light and our Salvation.
No. Matter. What.
So in the spirit of the writings of David, “why should [you] be afraid?”
Brant Hansen
Midday Show Host
STAR 99.1
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God never asked us to be fearless….He did ask us to have Faith over fear because He has overcome the world and to go beyond what we can see because God’s plan is beyond what we can see and darkness will not overcome His plan
Perfectly said! Thank you!
As a Radical Believer, believing in a Radical GOD, HIS Radical SON and the Radical powers of the HOLY SPIRIT. I take every circumstance I hear and live daily .I ERASE IT in the knowledge that,”GOD IS IN CONTROL ALWAYS!”Yesterday, Today, and tomorrow…Always. AMEN!
Ps.Very well written and said.
“The STRUGGLE is real y’all!
“The struggle is real…” Isn’t it though?!? Thank you for radically impacting the Kingdom!!
“If GOD is for us,who really ,really shall we fear?” This blog I really love,it has so much meat in it.No fat!(Side note)I’m Always left full after I hear your humbling words of GOD’S wisdom. “Pretending is no way to go through life-BH.” “Pretending nothing is happening -BH”.
You mentioned the song,” Don’t Worry be Happy”. Have you ever seen the video ?The late Robin Williams is in it .Here’s a man to whom brought millions and millions Joy,laughter and happiness and so much more.This man was good at pretending nothing is wrong.Sadly,aren’t we All.Mr.Williams ran out of Hope.My point is WE can’t wait till were out of Hope to go grab on to GOD,HIS SON,and the HOLY SPIRIT.GRAB onto them now.We aren’t walking this walk alone ….When the story finally ends,we win the victory.Do the victory walk now!Right! I conclude with this.GOD IS REAL.JESUS IS REAL.THE HOLY SPIRIT IS REAL.WE couldn’t ask for a more powerful team than this.Give your fear to them and HE’LL flip for HIS GLORY!AMEN!
Thank you, Renee!
And that’s so true: Fear God, and you have nothing else in the world to fear.
Thank you again for the encouragement and thanks for listening!
Thank you Brandt.. for your uplifting comments . I so enjoy your show and listen everyday. You are a unique Christian believer and very refreshing.
We’re all unique. 😁 You bring something unique to the table too! Together we make a beautiful mosaic. Thank you for reading this blog and for listening!
Brant, very well put and yes you are right! God is always here with us every step of the way. Protecting us over and over again.
Thank you for reminding me, I needed this today. Amen!
Thank you! I’m glad this encouraged you today. We all need reminding. 😏
Hi Brant & Sherri. When I read this, the first thing that came to my mind was when covid hit. I remember right then and there having a feeling of calmness rather than fear. I saw fear all around me and still do today. I heard God telling me how He’s got me and I’ll be fine. I hear that from Him a lot when I go through trying times. Fear can eat you alive. It can make you sick. No way will I succumb to it, because I have a loving and mighty God.
Way to be the example as others learn how to walk through fear & anxiety. There is great peace in knowing & trusting that God’s got you! 🙌