The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
Jesus said, ‘Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?’ Matthew 6:26 (NIV)
If you have been reading the various articles on The Bottom Line the past few days, you may wonder why we seem to have a common theme running throughout the recent offerings. There is one answer, and one answer only: Our Hope.
I would be telling a lie if I said that recent events have not stunned and unnerved me in many ways. It is a natural fear, something that is inherent in any who wish to keep their lives, as well as their way of life. When we see something that may absolutely change how our society functions, how our personal lives are lived, and how human beings may be forced to exist in a very near future, it is indeed natural. I am no different from you in that respect, and you are not any different from me. If we say we are, then we speak untruth.
Yes, our world is in chaos. Yes, danger in our own land is imminent. Yes, our homeland is ravished by division caused in great part by the government sworn to defend and protect it. And yes, we are allowed to become fearful, angry, and heartbroken when our own government seems to turn a deaf ear to the very real physical dangers we face by its unimaginable neglect of its own sovereignty. But no, we are not allowed to give in, give up and give away our hope.
If you read the major, and some of the minor, prophets in the Old Testament, you will surely see that what was foretold is now in play in this world. We actually, while we may indeed be fearful, should also understand that we have been chosen to live in these days, and our greatest hours are ahead of us as we stand strong for our God, and minister to those living in this chaotic world without Him. We should actually count it a privilege that we have been placed here, like Esther in her day, and Joshua in his. This is our day, our time, and God has called us to be the light of the world, to stand tall and strong in faith, knowing that this is His battle, not ours alone.
We can still live happy, involved and fruitful lives. We are still able to find joy amidst the chaos, pleasure in the simple things, such as the colorful bloom of a flower or the beauty of a singing bird, a child’s laughter, and love for one another. God has put no restrictions on these things. Remember, all good gifts come from the Father (James 1:17).
The greatest gift God bestowed upon the world is the gift of Our Hope, Jesus the Christ. Because of Jesus, we need not fear, or have anxiety, or stress about the future, because HE is our future! He has a plan, and He will complete it. He is our protector, our defender, our only true government. No plan or law that man has created can compete with or replace His. He has given us wisdom and common sense, so that we can take precautions and be aware of our surroundings and our situations. But we do not retreat, recant or tremble in fear when we are faced with the dangers of this time. We must stand together, tall and strong, and remember that Our Hope is with us always, and we will never regret trusting Him in all things. This is why He is Our Hope!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
Blessings!
Do you find yourself consumed with fear because of the recent events in the world? Please go to your pastor, or a trusted godly friend, and talk about it. Read the passages from Joshua, in Deuteronomy, and find peace in the Psalms. God always knew this day would come, and you need not walk in fear!
What causes you to fear in this hour? What will you do with that fear?
