Fear Not
"Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead and behold, I am alive forevermore."
These words of Christ from the first book of Revelation, echo how He spoke while on this earth as well... to fear not.
Regardless of whether or not there is a significant adversity to overcome - as is this virus situation currently, we can be steered away by giving into fears and allowing those thoughts to supplant the Truth that God has sown into our hearts from His Word.
Consider that when Peter was walking on the water, he began to perceive and felt the winds and became frightened... and began to sink. Even a disciple of Christ, in His presence and at His bidding was a walking miracle, but when he gave into that fear it all ceased. This is why Christ said many times "Fear not".
During a famine in 1 Kings 17, Elijah came upon a widow and her son, down to their last morsel and said "Fear not", and asked her to make a small portion for him. The widow obliged, and the Lord supernaturally multiplied their provisions until rain came to their land, and later restored life to her son, who had stopped breathing.
Fear isn't something that should be non-existent with us. The Word speaks many times about fear, drawing a clear line - that fear of man and circumstances is a snare, while the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. To clarify, the main characteristic the Word refers to in fearing the Lord is to reverence Him exceedingly. As we mature in our faith, loving Him more for who He is and His attributes, this fear and reverence occurs more naturally.
How does this translate to our finances? Fearing the Lord more than those people and circumstances around us. We fear and reverence the Lord when we set aside the tithe to him before paying bills, when we regard what His Word says about keeping out of debt above what others may think when we make choices such as bringing a lunch to work, driving a used car or spending less on clothing. A greater challenge can be fearing the Lord above our flesh, which will always want more than our finances allow, no matter how much our income is.
It is at the time of temptation - to give into that fear of man or how our flesh is wanting something we do not have the money for, to use the sword that is in the illustration above... the Word of God. Remember these verses and have these swords ready as needed:
Relating to debt and overspending
"Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another" (Romans 13:8)
"There are precious treasures and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a self-confident and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it" (Proverbs 21:20)
"The borrower is servant to the lender" (Proverb 22:7)
Relating to fear
"The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high" (Proverbs 29:25)
"The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10)
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are mine" (Isaiah 43:1)
As we all persevere through this challenging time, remember to cling to His Word. As it is written in Ephesians 6 about the armor of God, the sword - His Word, is the lone offensive weapon, sharper than any two-edged sword. And lastly, keep this verse close to you from Joshua 1:9.
"Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go"
God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
