TDW 10-14-08 The Fear Of The Future

By: Jeff Schreve
(The Fear Of The Future)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains
slip into the heart of the sea. Psalm 46:1-2

The current economic situation in America has many people fearing the future and playing the "what if" game:

What if the stock market totally collapses?
What if my company goes under?
What if I lose my job?
What if my retirement money vanishes away in the stock market?
What if I lose my house?
What if we plunge into a depression?
What if my worst fears come to reality?

What are we to do when the fear of the future grips our heart and threatens to drown our soul in worry? We are to "remember the LORD who is great and awesome!" (Nehemiah 4:14).

1. Remember that God is our refuge. He is a mighty fortress in the midst of great storms. He is the strong tower that we can run into and be safe. While the economy changes... and presidents change... and governments change... and kingdoms come and go... HE NEVER CHANGES. He is faithful and true. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. You can count on the Lord to ALWAYS be your refuge and strength.

2. Remember that God is our help. Have you noticed the great tendency people have to leave God out of their lives? This tendency is clearly seen during times of prosperity. So God uses trouble to bring us back to Him. When we are in trouble, we see how woefully inadequate we are. We see how desperately we need Him. And God is gracious to hear our prayer in our time of need... and help us. He is present right now to help you IF you will turn all your life and problems over to Him.

3. Remember that God is in control. Psalm 46:10 tells us, "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth." "Cease striving" literally means to let go and relax. You and I are not in charge, God is. The God who loves us and works all things together for our good and His glory is in control. SO RELAX AND TRUST HIM.

Psalm 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." Don't put your trust in your money... or in our military... our in some political party. Put your trust in God!!

As we get closer to the second coming of Christ, difficult times will come. The Lord told us it would be so (see 2 Tim. 3). I personally believe that the god of America is money... and the true God is going to show us how that false god (money) cannot deliver and is not able. Of course we need money and material things in order to live... but make sure to keep your eyes and your trust on the giver, not the gift.

God will take care of His children. He will shelter those who take refuge in Him. He will help those who look to Him. He says to us today, "MY CHILD, DO NOT FEAR. I AM WITH YOU. I LOVE YOU. I AM IN CHARGE. AND I HAVE EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL. SO YOUR JOB IS TO SIMPLY LET GO, RELAX AND TRUST ME."