This post was written specifically with Christians in the USA in mind, but I pray it will be a blessing to all who might be going through uncertain times. It is a solemn post but one full of hope and promise as well. May God bless and encourage as you read it.
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Be Not Afraid seems like a strange word for this time, but the Bible encourages, “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)
Today may be the last day that America is the same country we have always known it to be. Tomorrow, America may change forever. A look at this video and this video will tell us that this is not normal for an American election. The news reports would have us believe that this is just precautionary due to threats of violence during the inauguration. But common sense would tell us that such a military presence would not be necessary even for the threat of a few hundred protesters. Something is not right.
It seems strange that everything may be about to change. Around here, we have had beautiful weather, this week. The birds seem happy, and things appear quiet, peaceful, and pleasant. These lovely days are a beautiful gift that God has given us.
God has been patient with America for a very long time; but these things are really happening because America is reaping what it has sown. Perhaps things will calm down. Perhaps God will give us a few more years. Psalm 86:15 says, “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” We can only throw ourselves upon the mercies of God.
But, if God does so choose to not extend His hand of mercy upon our land, God has this word for His own people, “25) Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. 26) For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” (Proverbs 3:25,26) This does not mean that no righteous people will suffer physical hurt, though God extends protection in that way many times. But no one can really touch a person who belongs to God. A person who has placed their trust in Almighty God and has His Son Jesus as their Savior is secure. Jesus Himself said, “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” (John 10:28,29) If you have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, then you are secure in His hand and in His Father’s hand. We do not need to fear man. We only need to fear God. “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29) Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30) But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31) Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:28-31)
What should we do in a time like this? We should find our refuge in the shadow of God’s wings. God says, “12) I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; 13) And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?” (Isaiah 51:12,13) The oppressor can have no fury except what God permits. The oppressor cannot touch anyone that God does not permit them to touch.
What if we should be called upon to face death? Then we can be victorious just as the saints will be during the Great Tribulation. We have the same God now as those saints will have in years to come. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11) The blood of Jesus and the word of our testimony of salvation through Jesus gives us the power to overcome. We do not need to be afraid because, no matter what happens, we have this promise from the Lord, “He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:5b,6)
There is only one Person who can guide us through each step of our life, travel with us on our last great journey, and walk with us through the very doors of death. That Person is Almighty God Himself. Psalm 48:14 gives this comforting promise, “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” And death for the believer is but a move from our earthly home to our heavenly home. II Corinthians 5:8 gives us the assurance that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
There is never a time or a place in this life or the next that God is not present with the one who has put their trust in His Son Jesus Christ for salvation. There is never a time when God is not nearby His children. In times of trouble, we are the Lord’s. In times of peace, we are the Lord’s. In time of life and health, we are the Lord’s. In time of death, we are the Lord’s. As the old song puts it, “My beloved is mine and I am His, and His banner over me is love.” His love is an everlasting love that will never fail, “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (Jeremiah 31:3b)