by Richelle Hecker

Overcoming fear with faith.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“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.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

I have heard a portion of this quote many times. It comes from FDR’s first inaugural address after his election into the presidency at the peak of the depression, 1933. This statement has truth in it, but is it all true? When fear paralyzes our ability to respond appropriately, then indeed it is unhealthy. Yet fear itself can also be useful when it provides needed protection.

This baby bunny was fearful when I came close to take some pictures. It was not wrong or sinful that the bunny first froze in place and then quickly hid behind the pallets nearby. It froze instinctively to make itself invisible to me, the possible predator, and then ran and hid when plan A didn’t work. This natural fear will hopefully provide the bunny with a longer lifespan.

Yes, God, through the Bible often instructs us not to fear. He wants us to put our trust in Him over what we have, what we see, how we feel, and many other false narratives. When we are frightened we instinctively fight, flee, freeze, or appease to achieve safety. Sometimes these reactions are helpful and other times they are hurtful. Whichever narrative they fit into, the responses and feelings themselves are not sinful.

What becomes a problem is the perpetuation of fear. When we consistently respond and react to situations without trusting and believing what God has said, we fail to listen and obey.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 New International Version

We will react in situations that tell us we are unsafe. The question is, what will we do after that initial reaction. Do we believe that God is both powerful enough to protect and save us, and loving enough to do what is best?

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado