The Spector of Fear Doesn't Have to be Scary

For years I have taken tremendous comfort in James 1:2-4. Those verses read, "Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing."

I've experienced trials in life. Perhaps you have too. In most of the tests I have endured, it always seems that there was help out there, coming. Even when we have regional emergencies like tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, or forest fires, other people from safe places come running to help. Funds come pouring in to rebuild. When I was in Iraq during the first year of the war, there were rolling blackouts, no gasoline, and limited food, but there was hope. Resources were pouring in from outside. Refugees run toward hope, no matter how hard things get.   

Some in our communities haven't yet experienced fearful unknowns as an adult. There have been scares before. The aftermath of 9-11. Y2K. The Cold-war. The civil unrest of the '60s and the Vietnam War draft. Just think about the four years men and women were rationing and growing victory gardens while sending off their family members to die during WWII. They were afraid of the real threat of Nazi and Japanese domination.  

Now think about some of these same things for the people who were a little closer. Ever read the Diary of Ann Frank? Have you ever stopped to think that people lived through and rebuilt Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Imagine trying to raise a family in Vietnam in the late '60s. Remember how Communist-Russia had food shortages and sickness? I often think about how hard it must have been for the average Iraqi I encountered. And the victims of ISIS, let's not even get started with that one.  

Right now, it feels like we are in a crushing trial. It seems scary. We're worried about all our idols. But this is not the first time God's people have seen trials. Church history is full of trials, at levels much worse than this. The Bible is loaded with examples. But the Bible is also full of God's promises, instruction, and encouragement. James 1:2-4 is but one example.  

Brothers and sisters, I know this is scary. I know it looks like things could get worse. I know that's hard to hear; I don't even like typing those words. But there is one from a safe place here to help. Jesus has this, and He has you, even as the idols are crumbling and true believers tested. 

How? 

Take a good look at the things you think and believe right now. What's true? What's speculation? What's a lie? Are you filling your head and heart with lies? Are you speaking those lies to yourself? That's darkness. Jesus is Light that's come into the world, and the darkness must flee. What is His Truth? What does His Word speak about the lies in your head and heart? Are you filling your soul with His Words? Are you spending as much time hearing God's Truth from His Bible as you spend scanning social media and the news? Are you resting in God's Truth? If not, might now be the best time to start?  

Here's a practical tool to help you speak the Truth of God to yourself. Likely it's time for a refresher. And I suspect you have a little extra time. Why not watch the video and see if you might find hope, comfort, and courage in Jesus Christ. 

For the Kingdom!
Bryan Catherman