Fear! Our Greatest Enemy
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)
Fear, what is fear? In this case, during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, to a great majority of the people, fear is the ever-present uncertainty of what is in the immediate future. The powers that be keep bombarding us with warnings about the problems facing us because of this virus and are now already trying to prepare us for a possible resurgence somewhere down the not too distant future. Whether you agree with that scenario is immaterial, but the fact that the greater majority is very afraid is borne out by their actions and behavior. Now we are very aware that by and large the greatest part in our society lives outside the realm of our God due to the fact that in this so called enlightened world they reject and shun the reality of a Supreme Being, whereas the true believer has a solid rock to lean on. We as believers know that our birth was a predetermined fact and that our passing from this realm will be in accordance to God’s will and timetable. We have in our possession the power of prayer whereby we can call on the Creator of the Universe for guidance and relief and healing for whatever will and can befall all of mankind. That power of prayer is unsurpassed by anything that this world has to offer. It gives us security and peace of mind in whatever situation we find ourselves in. Paul tells us, “Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7)
But I know that in these trying times after about four months it is sometimes hard for us to find the right words when we approach our Heavenly Father regarding the selfsame problem that is on everyone’s mind. We have in our home a plaque that states “Lord, I can’t say it with words, please listen to my heart” and you know that is true and it works. In Psa. 46:10 it states, “Be still, and know that I am God”, further more Isa. 65:24 says “And it shall come to pass that, before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”
It is my experience that in time of stress and uncertainty nothing lifts our spirits quicker that when we sit back, relax and listen to some of the old-time hymns. When we let the music wash over us, and listen to the words we come to realize that each and everyone is a mini-sermon set to music by which our spirit, with the help of the Lord’s Spirit, is lifted out of the doldrums. In the frailty of our human nature we often, during these times of stress, see only darkness before we can discern the light, but once the Spirit lifts us out of our funk we will be able to see the Light and the darkness will only be a distant shadow.
“When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.”
“Though Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and has shed His own blood for my soul.” It is well, it is well with my soul!
This hymn conveys the message, that in all circumstances, whether good or bad, when covered by the Blood of the Lamb, the Lord will love and protect all those who love Him. In Rom. 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God”. Furthermore, Paul says in Eph. 5:20, “Give thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed.
Thru many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; Tis grace has brought me safe this far, and grace will lead me home.”
When we listen to the words of this hymn, we are assured of the fact that no matter who we are, no matter what we were or where we’ve been, whether you were born into the faith or whether you came from the back-alleys of society, when you claim the blood of Jesus the grace of God, He will guide you on your journey to Calvary. “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Eph. 2:8)
“I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses; and the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing; and the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing. And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.”
This beautiful hymn assures us of a personal, one to one, relationship with our Lord. Just like God and Adam in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3). Under the Old Covenant God always pleaded with His people to return to Him as a National unit, always calling them “My People”, as a whole, but under the New Covenant in Jesus the emphasis is more of an individual nature. We can come to Him at any time, day or night, with praise or with our problems, no matter what, and He will be there. In Heb. 13:5 we read that, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”.
“O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds Thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power through-out the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; How great Thou art, How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; How great Thou art, How great Thou art!”
The words of this great hymn tell their own story. We serve the most awesome and powerful God and Savior, who is not only awesome but loving and compassionate. With such a God we need not worry, not be fearful, so let these hymns I have mentioned lift your spirit to a higher level and praise God for being our Savior and Redeemer. Amen and Amen.
