Rome is burning

Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

Psalm 118:5,6

Fear is debilitating. It strikes at the heart of life like a hot knife through butter, leaving its victim paralyzed, and worse, compliant to its commands. Fear is a deadly weapon in the hands of the powerful. As far as manipulating others, it causes all other tactics to pale in comparison. And whether it is placed in the hands of the school-yard bully or in the claws of the those we have elected to our land’s highest posts, fear must be recognized for what it is, a weak man’s last resort. People do things when they are afraid that they never think of doing when their minds are calm, and their spirits are fearless. We walk as mindless robots when we are afraid and that’s the way the powerful like it.

I will not attempt to encourage you in this article with comforting words, telling you things will get better, because they may not. Paul warned us that perilous times will come, when men will be lovers of themselves, and behold, the times are here. Neither will I tell you to stick your head in the sand and wait for better days. Ostriches look silly when they do that.

My admonition to you will be based on something firmer and grander than either of those approaches to what’s going on in our country these days. You see, if we spend these days looking outward to the events brazen across our TV screens, day and night, in a never-ending media dump, we will be filled with fear. The results will always be a mind-numbing horror. Lock in step we will obey whatever command we are given by those only interested in their own power.

If we choose to hide away in a cave of denial, the tentacles of terror will reach in and pull us out. It is impossible to block out completely what’s going on around us.

I have another approach to battling fear. Look up to the One who holds all things in His hands. Over and over again, the phrase, FEAR NOT, is found in the bible. Our faith must never be given to men. Our trust must never be directed to those in power. Stop watching the 24/7 news cycle and pick up your bible. Our kingdom is not of this world. Only the Prince of peace will bring peace and justice to this world, and according to the look of things, he’s coming sooner than later. Fear not, believer, this world is not our home, we're just a passing through. Stop looking out, stop looking down. Look up, for your redemption draws nigh.