Do Not Fear

Psalm 11:3 asks a question, “If the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”



It is a good question to ask based on the national and global situation we face. The situation is not just the effect of the coronavirus but the unknown of who I might get it from. That unknown can cause us to be fearful. So, the question is not how to deal with the coronavirus, but how to deal with fear.



The Bible gives us much counsel and help when it comes to dealing with fear. Let’s look at four.



Psalm 56:3-4

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?



First, we have to trust God. Real trust comes when we come to know someone and can rely on them. Trust only comes over time and by learning to turn our fears over to God because we truly know that He has us.



Raise the Roof and Remove the Walls is trusting God no matter what the fear is.



2 Timothy 1:6-7

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying of hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.



Next, we have to recognize that fear does not come from God. God gives us His Spirit which imparts to us:

His Power

His Love

His Mind



God works in us as His children to enable us to live a life that is characterize by power, love, and common sense (God-sense). It is not characterized by fear that comes from the devil.



Raise the Roof and Remove the Walls is recognizing that fear does not come from God.



1 John 4:4

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.



Next, God’s love is perfect and His love casts out fear.



This virus and any other threatening thing in our lives is not God punishing us. It is not Him being angry at us and causing bad things to happen to us. God is love and His love overcomes all the things that bring fear into our lives.



Raise the Roof and the Remove the Walls is allowing God’s perfect love by the filling of His Spirit to overcome our fears.



Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.



Finally, turn the anxiety or fear over to God by prayer and petition and thanksgiving, and God will flood peace into your life protecting your heart and mind (the two places where fear attacks).



Raise the Roof and Remove the Walls is turning everything in our lives over to God.   



Zach Williams has a song called Fear is a Liar. The chorus says:

Fear he is a liar

He will take your breath

Stop you in your steps

Fear he is a liar

He will rob your rest

Steal your happiness

Cast your fear in the fire

Cause fear he is a liar



We live in a time of unknowns. The truth is people have always lived in a time of unknow. God is not calling us to be fearful or blame others. He is calling us to show trust in Him, to live by the power of His Spirit, let His love enable us, and turn everything over to Him in prayer.



And one last thing God is calling us to be gracious to those who are fearful.



We are the body of Christ, so let’s be His hands and feet in a time of great fear in our world.



In Trust, Not Fear, Raising the Roof and Removing the Walls,

                                            Joe