Whew! What a busy day. I’m finally getting a chance to post. Today, I want to talk about the fear of the future.
Worry of the future robs us of the present.
That’s not all. Worrying about the future presents two problems.
1.) The future is not yet here.
2.) It’s not ours to control.
I don’t particularly like the number two. I think it’s because the think that probably frightens us the most is losing control and realizing our helplessness. In the face of the unthinkable, unbearable, or the unimaginable, fear uncovers truth. We’re not really in control of anything. Control is only an illusion. When the unthinkable happens, and we lose a loved one, our job, our opportunity, the illusions of control become shattered.
On the other hand, realizing our helplessness isn’t as bad as you might imagine. It’s often the beginning of a new thing—a new dependence on God who is sovereign over all. And if God is in complete control of all things… if His love for us is immeasurable… if He is for us at all cost, than what about the future is there to fear?
Fear is the opposite of faith. So faith is the antidote to fear. Those who trust in God find peace and confidence whether the future turns out like you hoped or not.
What you and I need to settle in our hearts today is that God’s Goodness and Mercy will follow us into every stressful situation.
Brother Walter is an African American pastor whose congregation partners with our all white fellowship. Our two church families have grown to love and support one another. We believe that we are a beautiful vision on earth of what heaven looks like above. Not long ago, tragedy struck Brother Walters’ home. Both his wife and daughter were ill and in the hospital at the same time. The husband in him longed to sit with his wife, while the daddy in him ached to care for his daughter. As he stood in the hallway between their two rooms, Brother Walters knew he couldn’t physically be in two places at once. So he knelt down on his knees and entered the thrown room grace. Goodness and Mercy met him there and made provision. Family and friends poured into the hospital as representatives of God’s hands and feet. They ministered comfort, support, and love to Brother Walter and his wife and daughter.
Sadly, Brother Walter lost his wife. Yet, when things didn’t turn out as he had hoped, he didn’t fret nor fear. He understood that while his wife was with God in heaven, God’s Goodness and Mercy were also with him on earth sustaining him with strength, hope, and faith. Though his heart was breaking, Brother Walter stood before the church family and testified to the reality of God’s word…“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me…and surely Goodness and Mercy will follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23). It was clear that God had came near in his darkest hour with comfort and strength he need to endure.
Regardless of the road you travel, Lonely Lane, Brokenhearted Boulevard, or Poverty Parkway Goodness and Mercy will follow after you. No heartbreak, no death, no betrayal, no rejection, no failure, no disappointment, and no evil can stop them. They will always come for you. They cannot fail you. They will never quit, never forget you, and never leave you.
(excerpt from An Untroubled Heart)
Melissa says
Thanks for this post today! I have been worrying about the future so much lately. This message really hit home. It is just what I needed to hear!