POST PANDEMIC: What Comes Next?نموونە

 POST-PANDEMIC COURAGE

Fear is a primitive emotion, a feeling of distress in the face of a perceived danger. Probably you are familiar with this disagreeable feeling.

Ultimately, at the world level, we human beings have felt fear on hearing of the threats of uncontrollable illnesses that give rise to devastating economic consequences. Furthermore, for many, the fear has become a disagreeable traveling companion that changes its name in the face of thousands of daily situations in which the future is uncertain.

However, in the hand of the Lord our God and with His word, there are ways to leave that disagreeable traveling companion behind.

Each time we give in to fear we need to:

1. Recognize it with humility.

2. Remind ourselves what is the next biblical step.

3. Move in that direction as quickly as possible.

This is true in every sphere of life, and begins with a biblical understanding of who the Lord our God is and what He has to say about, in this case, fear.

The Bible is an extraordinary resource provided by God so that we can come closer to Him and know Him in depth. It is the written revelation of His person, His character, and His will. In it we clearly see two things: The first is that God wants us to fear Him reverently, and the second is that He wants us to completely trust in Him.

I want to share with you eight key points that I have found throughout His word:

1. Fear only the Lord, as that is the beginning of wisdom.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7).

2. Fear the Lord and do what He says.

Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24).

3. Renew the encouragement and hope in the Lord every day.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

4. Encourage others to continue trusting in God.

I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth (Acts 13:47).

5. Trust in the Lord continually without vacillating or doubting.

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you (Psalm 56:3).

6. Trust in the Lord, doing what is good and right.

Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it (Psalm 34:14).

7. Trust in the Lord without fearing what others can say or do.

So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)

8. Trust in the Lord no matter what you are going through in your life. 

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you (Isaiah 43:2).

In the days we have ahead of us, you and I need to choose to accept the counsel of God about everything, and transform fear into courage. So, every day, present yourself to God in humility, because only He will make it possible.

Andrew Palau