We Have Nothing To Fear

On this date, March 4, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated 32nd President of the United States.

In his famous inaugural address FDR offered these encouraging words to the American people suffering from The Great Depression.

“This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” What a powerful, bold assertion when most banks were closed, farmers were suffering, industrial production was barely over half its 1929 level, and unemployment was at 25%.

Yet Roosevelt’s confidence encouraged Americans to stay strong, not to succumb to panic, but believe in solutions to solve the crisis. His message radiated resilience and offered hope. It was a reminder that wallowing in fear could only make matters worse.

The Bible speaks a good bit about fear–warning God’s people not to be afraid but to live by faith. LeRoy Browlow once wrote that there 365 “fear nots” in the Bible–one for every day of the year. I haven’t counted them, but the message is so frequent, it demonstrates the human tendency to allow fear to overwhelm us.

The Israelites were afraid when they left Egypt and came to the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army pursuing. (Exodus 14). Their fear led to skepticism and doubt in Moses’ leadership and God’s ability to provide for and protect them. Their fear also caused them to be short sighted, as they wanted to retreat and return to Egypt.

Furthermore, fear will paralyze us and keep us from acting. Remember Jesus’ parable of the talents? (Matt. 25:14-30). Three men were given talents (specific amounts of money according to their ability). One was given five talents, the second man two, and the third man one. Their master expected the men to use them and increase their value. The first two men doubled their investments. But the third man dug a hole and hid it in the ground.

When the master returned the first two were commended and rewarded. But third man brought back his one talent and said, “Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.”

The master did not coddle the fearful servant, but rather condemned him, calling him lazy and wicked. Fear paralyzed him from acting, but it did not excuse him.

These two examples are a reminder to God’s people not to be controlled by their fear, but to be focused on their faith. How many good ideas to grow the church and advance God’s Kingdom have been scrapped because someone was afraid it wouldn’t work? Afraid to try? Afraid of what other churches would think? Afraid of what some preacher might say? Afraid to spend some money?

Fear is the enemy of faith, the opponent of hope, and the adversary of success. Fear is the villain that plants seeds of doubt, sows discord, and gives birth to distrust, worry, and indecision.

Today, there seems to be a good deal of fear among some folks about problems around the world and more specifically the changes occurring in Washington, D.C. Fear-mongers are trying to scare people with predictions of doom and gloom. Whether their motives are for personal profit, based on political partisanship, or simply misdirected and misinformed, I don’t know.

However, how about God’s people trusting in His Providence? God can use both good rulers and bad rulers to accomplish His purpose. And His ultimate purpose is more important and greater than our personal preferences. The Psalmist warned, “Do not trust in princes, in mortal man, in whom there is no salvation” (Ps. 146:3). Rather, let us trust in the Lord, and not rely on our own understanding or put too much confidence in certain men (Ps. 118:8; Prov. 3:5).

Instead, of conjuring up unfounded fears about what may happen, let us be busy in the service of the Lord. Let’s spend more time praying instead of posting our political views. More time reading the Bible instead of watching the news that may fuel our angst. More time ministering to others needs, instead of stressing about our future. More time sharing our faith instead of shouting about our fears. More time worshiping instead of worrying.

Let God’s reassurance to Isaiah be yours.

“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
(Isa 41:10)

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman