As the New Year is upon us, the “fear factor” is rising. There is the plethora of ads telling us that we’re gonna be “fat” or “broke” or “over our heads in debt” or “missing out” or whatever! But, somehow, we’ve got to stop this “fear” and claim our freedom from fear. I even heard this week that the government will soon be eavesdropping on church services! Please, let us stop this fear!
Paul writes to young Timothy (2 timothy 1:7), “For God has NOT given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and a sound mine!” (and for ME, two outta three ain’t bad!) And, check out Hebrews 11:1, “FAITH is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
As the 2009 begins, let us live in Faith and not Fear! As this New Year blooms upon us, let us embrace the possibilities that are before us and not give in to the fear that everyone is selling. Faith is about claiming the spirit of power and love…about claiming God’s power and love! This is not a “polyanna” kind of outlook. Yes, the economy is a shambles; yes, wars are raging; yes, investments continue to decline. But, I refuse to give in to the fear! Will you join me in praying faithfully for a new president? Will you join me in praying faithfully for a new economy? Will you join me in praying faithfully that we will seek FIRST God’s Kingdom and not our own? Only as we live in faith can we truly move beyond the fear!
Fear, at least extreme lack of confidence, is reflected in multiple statistics regarding the economy. Essentially banks have access to an unprecedented amount of funds to lend, but lending activity is very low. Banks are skeptical regarding who to lend to and consumers are skeptical regarding adding ANY debt for any reason. This is among the general population so it is not limited to persons who claim to live “by faith.”
Essentially the economy is poised to stabilize and then improve but is currently gripped by fear. My favorite economist’s views can be found here:
http://scottgrannis.blogspot.com/