BOO!!!

“There is no excuse for fear when God is the foundation of our trust.” – C.H. Spurgeon

When Franklin D. Roosevelt took the oath of office as America’s 32nd president on March 4, 1933, the United States was in the midst of the Great Depression. More than 24,000 banks had already closed and another 11,000 were on the brink of collapse. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate stood at 25%, with breadlines and soup kitchens springing up everywhere.

Not surprisingly, much of the country was on pins and needles as it faced an uncertain future. Sensing that apprehension, FDR addressed their concerns in the very first paragraph of his inauguration address.

“I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our people impel. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.”

It took another nine years – and the Second World War – for America to fully emerge from the financial throes of the Great Depression. Fortunately, believers in Jesus Christ can have their fears assuaged much faster than that.

By trusting in God’s sovereignty, power, love, mercy, and grace, we can rest our heads easily on our pillows at night in the midst of life’s biggest storms. Memorizing and meditating on His Word can also calm our fears and settle our spirits. Here are just a few verses from the Book of Psalms that can help in that regard…

“The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.” Psalm 19:9

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

“Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.” Psalm 34:9

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments.” Psalm 111:10

“Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who delights greatly in His commandments.” Psalm 112:1

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President