State of Fear

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." – Joshua 1v8-9

In 2004 Michael Creighton published a techno-novel titled ‘State of Fear.’ The theme of the book was his contention that the threat of ‘global warming’ was a hoax perpetration to keep people in a ‘state of fear’ and allow more control of the people and their way of life.

I happen to agree with his contention, but that was not really the point of the novel. Creighton points out that the ‘state of fear; is a constant because people thrive on living in fear. Communist plots, global warming, Muslim terrorism, and so on and so on have all been used to get people to accept more and more control.

I agree that people seem to relish living in fear, but I contend that there is another kind of ‘state of fear’ that can distract and paralyse God’s people.

This is on my mind this morning as I watch the response of some American Christians to yet another perceived political defeat. The US House of Representatives passed a health care reform bill yesterday and you would think that God had died with the 216^th ‘yes’ vote. Many of my American Christian friends on Facebook and posters on a Christian forum are up in arms over this ‘dark day in American history’ and seem to be in a panic over ‘loss of freedom’ and the ‘act of tyranny’ that resulted in this seemingly earth shakingly disastrous news. Some folks even seem to be afraid of the future as a result of this single vote.

And yet all over the world their brothers and sisters in Christ live, serve, and thrive in far worse political situations. Have we forgotten the words that Joshua received from the Lord as he prepared to enter Canaan?

‘You have My word. Meditate on it day and night. Do what it says. Then you will be prosperous and then you will have success. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid no matter what happens. I am with you.’

God does not die with political actions. He is not defeated by the petty whims of presidents or prime ministers or parliaments or kings. This world is not really our home anyway. We are just passing through.

Our success is not dependent on political decisions. Our success and our prosperity is assured as we cling to His word and go forth in His strength and His courage.

Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed – the Lord is with us!