Fear and Uncertainty

Fear and Uncertainty

2 Timothy 1:7; James 1:1-5; Psalm 91:5-11.

Times like what we are going through right now are never easy. We struggle and right now some may feel like Spongebob when he becomes a 5-star waiter but can’t remember his name. Or, you may feel like a hermit that isn’t sure whether that smell is coming from you or your dog. P.S. Don’t sniff your armpit right now, eek!

Fear

What does God say about how we should endure fear and uncertainty? Fear is natural and fear does keep us alive. But when does fear become concerning for us and start to hurt our faith? Can we be fearful and faithful? I would say yes, but where is our focus when fear starts to come in? 

2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

I think we believe that this means we are not to be fearful, when in contrast this was Paul’s response to Timothy having a tendency to be timid and fearful when it came to life and sharing his faith. Paul is reminding Timothy, and us, in moments of fear to let God pour His Holy Spirit into our lives and trust Him. Fear should never keep us from acting but should force us to rely on the Holy Spirit to find peace, comfort, and direction.

Uncertainty

James 1:2-5: “2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”

What do we do with the uncertainty? Uncertainty usually forces us to become hermits that do not act. Panic is a direct result of uncertainty because we cannot control what it is happening around us. Some people panic into being impulsive, say like, buying 14 packages of toilet paper or believing our opposition in politics is out to take my family, faith, dog, car, gender, or whatever else you want to claim.

In James, we see that he is encouraging us to embrace trials because our faith is built and strengthened in these moments. Next, James tells us when we are uncertain of life that we should ask God for wisdom and direction. When you are not sure of what to do next, turn to God and trust Him to provide insight and direction in your next step. 

You want to know the hardest part of each of these steps? Patience. All of it requires patience to understand that God is acting in His timing and with our best interest in mind. Remember Romans 8:28, all things are working together for the good of those who love God.

Life is hard right now and there is a lot of uncertainty. Politics are chaos, the world is in chaos, your neighborhood is in chaos. But, remember that God is not in chaos, He is in order. So, take some time to breath, relax, and trust in God. Also if you get time please read Psalm 91 for a little more peace and internal security.

Blessings,

Nick Engleman

If you have questions about Jesus, or are interested in beginning this journey of living for God through the blood of Christ, please feel free to contact me at 417-808-1049, or email at nengleman902@gmail.com.