In a world seemingly spiraling out of control, it’s easy to succumb to fear. Hurricane devastation, global conflicts, economic instability, and a surge in mental health challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed and helpless. But amidst the chaos, Christian author Jeannie Cunnion offers a message of hope and resilience: ‘fear not.’
She points to the most repeated command in the Bible, a resounding call to cast aside fear. Cunnion reminds us that God’s directive to ‘fear not’ is not simply a comforting platitude. It’s a powerful promise rooted in God’s unwavering presence and unwavering love. She draws from Isaiah 40:11, where God declares, “Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” (MSG Bible translation)
Cunnion emphasizes that God’s command to ‘fear not’ is not a denial of our challenges, but a testament to His unwavering power and his commitment to our well-being. “God says there is no need to fear, not because everything is fine, but because ‘I’m your God,'” she writes. In essence, God’s presence is our greatest source of strength and our ultimate shield against fear.
She further reminds us that our fear often speaks volumes about our faith. “Could it be possible that our fear tells God we don’t trust Him?” she asks. When we allow fear to paralyze us, we essentially communicate a lack of trust in God’s ability to guide and protect us. Instead, Cunnion urges us to embrace the peace that comes from knowing that God is with us in every circumstance. He is the ultimate authority, the victor over evil, and the one who has already secured our victory. His presence empowers us to face our fears head-on and trust in his plan for our lives.
Ultimately, Cunnion encourages us to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, seeking his guidance and solace in times of fear. She suggests practicing acts of justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly. By drawing closer to God through prayer, repentance, and obedience, we can experience the transformative power of His presence. “The secret to living fearless in this fallen world isn’t putting your head in the sand and hoping it will all turn out OK. The secret to fearless living is believing that God is who He says He is and is able to do what He says He can do!”
By embracing God’s promise and drawing strength from His presence, we can live lives of courage, hope, and unshakeable faith, even amidst the most challenging circumstances. As Cunnion reminds us, “His presence is peace. And panic loses its power in His presence.”
