When we look back through many years of history, we see that when people have become fearful, they also become easier to control.
There is a sense in which fear can be a good thing, it can protect us from danger. Most of the time fear simply prevents us from living a full life. Maybe you are afraid to fly, the plane might crash, yes it might. You might be afraid to get on a ship, it might sink, yes it could. Some will live a lonely life without the blessings that come with a good relationship. They are afraid to love - what if the relationship doesn't develop the way you thought it would, or what if your love isn't returned? Painful, yes for sure, but I think it is true "It is better to have loved and lost than not have loved at all." This is a famous quote from the English 19th century poet, Alfred Tennyson. Poets usually get it right, and the Bible is full of poetry.
Life itself is a risk, so go for it, live fully and completely knowing that the God who loves you has already weighed the risks and planned the rewards.
Here's the thing - those of us who are believers in Jesus, the Word of God, don't place our faith in the pilot of an airplane, or the captain of a ship, or the perfect love relationship, our faith is in the Lord alone. We experience making a choice - fear or faith.
Trust and faith are much alike - when we have faith in someone or something, we also can say that we are trusting. Those who walk in fear rather than in faith, have limited their joy in life. Remember Jesus died on the cross for the joy set before him - Hebrews 2:12
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. . .Hebrews 12:2
We can't snap our fingers and suddenly have faith, faith comes from God. Ephesians 2:8 says that faith is a gift, a gift bestowed willingly on those who love Him. Stand firm in the Word of God, believe what it says. Have faith that the Lord will alert you to danger and trust Him to provide pleasure in life. If you have children, don't you want them to walk in faith and have pleasure in life? This is what your heavenly Father wants for you. You are a child of God.
In a very practical sense, think of driving down the freeway at 75 mph - you are taking a risk that the other drivers on the road are paying attention to traffic, have the skill to handle a car or truck, are not drunk or on drugs, not pre-occupied with disciplining children or talking on the phone, etc. And most of us do it, we take this risk because we need to go someplace. My faith is in God alone, I can't control the other drivers.
"We live by faith, not by sight". 2 Corinthians 5:7
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6
Hebrews, chapter 11 gives us a history of faith through the characters of the Old Testament starting with verse 3 -
By faith we understand that the universe was formed by God's command so what is seen was not made out of what was visible."
The list of those who walked in faith begins with Abel and his brother Cain and ends with Moses. Also mentioned our heroes - Samson, David, Samuel and the prophets who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice and gained what was promised.
Covid 19 has been a lethal and frightening virus. Statistics show that in the United States, about 98% of those who get the virus recover from it when they don't have other health challenges. So many have lost their jobs and businesses, our economy is 'rocky'. But remember where there is fear, the powers-to-be can impose control, sometimes not for the higher good. We are a free country and our Constitution restricts government power. I encourage you, hang onto your freedom while being cautious and considerate of others. We are "one nation under God" and by faith in Him, we will survive.
Thank you Lord that your hand is always upon us, we trust in you and cherish our gift of faith.
