Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body but can’t kill the soul. Instead, be afraid of the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
What do you say to someone who implies that things will go to hell in a handbasket but you must not be afraid. What do you say to someone who tells you things are going to be bad for you but you should not be afraid? You might say several things such as, “What’s going to happen?” or “Why shouldn’t I be afraid?” or “How do you expect me to live?” “How do I live?” is a worthy question.
How do you live when the familiar is turned upside down? How do you live when the things in which you once found security are quickly passing but you do not yet know what the new order will be? How do you live without guarantees? How do you live when the place you once occupied is no longer needed? How do you live when violence and brutality are cutting lives short, randomly it seems?
Don’t be afraid. That’s the first thing. Fear is crippling. Now, a healthy dose of fear to help you be aware, suitably cautious, prepared, and acting with wisdom is good. However, living from the place of fear will paralyze you and keep you from living well and wisely. So, yes. Do not be afraid.
However, it’s deeper than that, as Jesus pointed out in Matthew 10:28 as he had told his disciples that it was going to get rough. Don’t be afraid comes from living at a deeper level. This is a level that recognizes you are more than the physical body which will die at some point, hopefully in a peaceful way. You have a soul. Those who have power over the physical do not have power over the soul. However, God has power over both. Thus, this level of not being afraid recognizes God and God’s power and reign.
How to live when the future seems uncertain? How to live in a painful time of transition? How to live when the principalities and powers seem to be on a rampage.
Live with confidence and without fear, entrusting yourself to God who has power over both the body and the soul. Pray to this God. Do what God tells you to do, without fear. When everything falls apart, trust on and do not fear. God is with you and he will have your soul.
Get Closer to God and Live with Confidence and Peace
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