Fearless in an Unpredictable World

I just returned from “camp” (a Joni and Friends retreat for families affected by disability) with my adult son who has intellectual disabilities. He had a blast and I am happy we attended this year. Our theme was “Fearless” and the camp Pastor taught from this verse :

( Or in The Message) Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute,and love without stopping.

Fear can be devastating and even debilitating. During the Covid crisis we all experienced fear and anxiety over masks and the quarentine. Then all of the racial and political tensions divided people more. There are all kinds of fear. Fear of not measuring up, fear of not fitting in, being judged or rejected. There is the fear of danger (can be a good thing) fear of loss and all of lifes’ unknowns. How do you deal with your fear? Becoming a Christian (a follower and disciple of Christ) doesn’t mean fear will go out the window. It does mean you know where to go with it. Many of the the Psalms remind us of Gods’ love and Presence.

Psalm 59:16 But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.

Psalm 46:1–3 (ESV)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

Think about the word refuge. When my friend lived in Kansas they had a storm shelter underground in the backyard. If tornado warnings were going off they took shelter there until it was safe. But you don’t stay in a shelter, you come back out when the storm is over. We too can sing after the “storm” because of His steadfast ( a steady unwavering support) and strength to move forward without fear.

Our camp verse reminded us to be watchful or alert . Most parents are vigilant to protect their childeren from danger. Are we vigilant in protecting our hearts, minds and souls from our enemy? Truth is challenged everywhere. We can stand firm in our faith (the gospel of Jesus Christ and His promises) because our faith and hope are in an eternal God who loves us and not on faliable human promises. We can be courageous even when we feel weak because He is strong.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

As I surveyed the gymnasium I saw other parents and adult children like mine and others requiring a lot more physical and emotional care than mine. Adding extra issues and needs onto daily life can leave us totally exhausted and fearful for the future. Here at this retreat I saw nothing but Gods’ love and acceptance for every person just the way they are. I wish our society could truly be like this but since it is not how can we live fearless ? We were also challenged at camp to do all things in love. Society often gives a sidewise glance to people who are differently abled. They may look and act differently but they also face challenges we don’t understand. I have learned to love “different”. Do you show compassion and embrace inclusion?

How do you respond when someone rejects you or misunderstands you? Jesus taught us to love and pray for our “enemies”(bullies?). Loving the unlovely or difficult person is hard but we can do it by sharing the love and grace He gives us.

The word fear is used over 365 times in the Bible. It is a very real and powerful emotion. When we are afraid we need to go to our heavenly Father and share our situation and feelings about it knowing He hears us. We can also ask for peace and wisdom to do the next thing. We can live fearless in this unpredictable world knowing our Almighty God is in control.