Despite the headlines, Jesus says “Fear Not.”

There may not have been active shooters and terrorist attacks in the Bible days, but there were plenty of other terrifying situations that Biblical characters found themselves in. Situations that if we aren’t careful, can be reduced to bedtime-story-status, when in fact they were just as horrific, and just as fear-inducing as the recent terrorist attack in Nice, the attempted coup in Turkey, the Orlando Night Club Shooting, and the shootings of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge.

Imagine any one of these well-known Biblical stories through the lens of today’s social media and news coverage:

Thousands die in the collapse of Gaza’s Temple of Dagon, as national hero retaliates for having his eyes poked out, imprisoned.(Judges 16)

Jordanian King has international evangelist decapitated, then displays his head at dinner party. (Mark 6)

Genocide suspected, brutal 3 million strong slave labor camp discovered in Egypt. (Exodus 1)

Now seriously ponder the fact that they did not know how their story ended. They lived it moment by moment just as you are today.

And still they trusted God.

And still they told themselves; “Despite the headlines, Jesus says Fear Not”

And still they reminded themselves of God’s promises.

Remember my precious reader, it is God, and God alone that is in control.

Not ISIS, not President Obama, not NATO, … not anyone but Jehovah God.

If you are frightened by what’s happening in the world, look to Jesus Christ. He alone holds your future in His hands. He alone determines your eternal destiny. He alone counts the hairs of your head, measures your breaths, and knows the plans He has for you.

Be comforted that despite the headlines, Jesus says “Fear Not.” And spend some time meditating on God’s Promises. You owe to yourself, to God, and to your future. Here are just a few of God’s promises to get you started:

Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. -Isaiah 41:10

So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. -Romans 8:31-39

And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;

For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. -Deuteronomy 20:3-4

How are you feeling about the shootings and terrorist attacks?

What other Biblical stories can you think of that might incite national attention if they happened today?

Debbie invites you to join leave a comment and join the discussion.