Do Not Be Afraid

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Depending on the translation you consult, the phrase "Do not be afraid" occurs 365 times in the Bible. Someone has astutely observed, "That's once for every day of the year."

I'm sure the recent press conference by the President, Surgeon General Jerome Adams, NIH Infectious Disease Director Dr. Anthony Fauci, and other doctors on President Trump's medical advisory team has given occasion for fear of not only this insidious disease, but of the future.

The country has not seen a crisis of this scope and proportion since the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and Germany declared war on the U.S. Out of that crisis arose "the greatest generation." Out of that crisis, faith in God was rekindled. God, who brings light out of darkness, and life out of death, and has done so supremely in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, will not leave us or forsake us.

"Do not be afraid."

Sit quietly, breath slowly and read again Psalm 46. Note the "selahs" at the end of each section. Now focus on those sections.

The first section assures us that, even if the world falls apart, we are in God.

The second section assure us that God is in us.

And the last section assures us that God is in control.

He is in control of this disease, and of all the fall-out that will come from it. We will see hard times, but nothing - NOTHING - will separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Believe it. Believe in Christ. And do not be afraid.

And when you've grasped it and believed it, share it with your families tonight. Let your children see what confidence in Christ looks like.

The elders are meeting tonight via Zoom to plan next steps, but God will not abandon you, and neither will God's shepherds.

The peace of Christ be with you.

 
 
 
George "Chip" Hammond