Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.
I remember the carefree childhood days of summer in the ’50s and ’60s. Nothing to do but sleep late, ride bikes, and play in the creek. No deadlines. No schedules. No emails or phone calls or text messages reminding me to do this or plan that or show up for the other.
No worries of life or death or the future. But it’s not the ’50s and ’60s anymore, and what we face today certainly isn’t child’s play.
It’s serious stuff.
It only takes is a quick look at recent headlines to see the current condition of our world. It’s disheartening, to say the least. As a matter of fact, I originally began itemizing the issues here, but quickly realized that the simple act of listing them provided a route of sadness straight to my heart.
The truth is that left unguarded, our hearts can be consumed with fear.
But praise God, just as we had no fears of life or death or the future when we were kids, God’s Word makes it clear that as believers we have no reason to be sad or fearful today.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7 (NIV)
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Romans 8:39 (NIV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” John 15:18-19 (NIV)
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect… 1 Peter 3:14-15 (NIV)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
I especially love the last verse, spoken by our Savior, Jesus Christ: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
In other words, yes, He tells us there will be hardships, struggles, conflicts, and hate, but praise Him, He has already overcome it all! Yes, the the struggles of being a Christian in this world may be difficult and sometimes scary, but we can have confidence that there’s no reason to fear.
Amen and amen!
As Rabbi Jonathan Cahn recently said, “Outside of Him, there is no safety. Inside of Him, there is no fear.”
I pray these words encourage us all to remain inside of Him, where there is NO fear…
Vonda
