“Terrorism” — “the use of violence and intimidation (fear) in the pursuit of political, social, or religious aims.”
Often, when I find myself in an uncomfortable situation, I remember the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt in his first inaugural address. “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!” Actually, Francis Bacon said it about 400 years ago in his essay on Tribute. He was talking about fortune, and change of fortune, and how a man with fortitude cannot be shaken; whereas, a person who is fearful will suffer much by these changes. He referred to fear as the inner enemy and said, “Nothing is to be feared but fear itself. Nothing grievous but to yield to grief” FDR probably heard this in school and it struck a chord in his character.
Fear is an effective weapon. Bullies have long used this to their own cowardly purposes. Peter warned: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (I Peter 5:8)
We are aware of Satan’s tactics. One of his favorite tools against humanity is fear. Often, his roar is all he needs to display to distract us from our God-given purposes. Our military often uses a strategy called “Shock and Awe!” This is what terrorists all around the world are doing. Yes, they do damage! Yes, they are taking innocent lives! Yes, they are taking their own lives in the process, this adds to the affect! All of this adds to a worldwide network of fear! Fear is a distraction! Fear paralyzes! Beloved, it is working!
Over 100 times, the Bible warns us about being afraid! God knows the affect of fear on the human heart. David, in Psalm 5, expresses his resolve to worship his God in the face of fear:
“Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.
2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.
7 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
8 Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.
9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.
11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
12 For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.”
For the most part, American Christians are weak in the knowledge and practice of worship; therefore, easily distracted by fear from true and powerful worship of our King. Beloved, we must be aware of what is happening in our world, both near and far, but do not allow the devil’s fear to distract us from our First Love.
“Watch and Pray!” Watch and pray, and defend and pray, and fight and pray. Keep on keeping on! Keep the main thing the main thing . . . And, the main thing is . . . Jesus!
