Facing Fear (Part 3)
- Posted by Julee Huy
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But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16.
If our meaningful fears reveal our allegiances, then at some point, we need to move from our dysfunctional allegiances to a “better country.” The truth is, the mere absence of fear does not equate to peace and joy. Try spending an entire day with an idle mind, and you will find that our natural tendency is to veer toward the negative. Recent research shows that, not only do we dislike being alone with our thoughts, we would rather experience pain than have to wrestle with them. As Christians, we have declared our allegiance to the kingdom of God. What are the ramifications of such a declaration for the fearful heart?
A BETTER COUNTRY
Our citizenship in the kingdom of God means that our fears point to the fact that peace is not found in this world (Phil. 3:20). We embrace the spiritual reality of a heavenly kingdom which has appeared but is also to come. Our unresolved fears and worries in this life point us to “a better country…a heavenly kingdom.” Our inward groaning await a glorious hope, a hope we are called to await patiently through our temporal suffering (Rom. 8; 2 Cor. 4). It is strange comfort, but our constant struggle is an assurance that we are not home. He has prepared for us a better country.
NOT MY WILL, BUT YOURS BE DONE
Our kingdom allegiance also means, clearly, that we have chosen not to live in our own kingdom. And yet, how many of unnecessary our worries and fears issue from these former abodes, all dead and buried (Rom. 6:4)? Dead people, former kingdoms, nonexistent nations have nothing left to lose. We have chosen not to live in our own kingdom, so it should not be at all surprising that we do not get our way all, or even most, of the time. After all, His will rules His kingdom. There will be laborers working different hours getting the same pay (Matt. 20), there will be entire fortunes given over for a single pearl, there will be sifting and sorting and casting out (Matt. 13). There will be things which don’t concern us (John 21). This means that our focus shifts from attempting to manifest our own concept of perfection to exercising faithfulness. I just live and work here; my Master has all other concerns well in hand.
SEEK YE FIRST
Furthermore, there is no hedging our bets in the kingdom of God. Two masters, a kingdom divided – Jesus offers clarity about the success rate of such efforts. In case this heaven thing isn’t real, let me make sure I carpe diem. In case He doesn’t actually “add to” me “all these things,” let me see if I can figure out how to place His kingdom as well as my career aspirations first (Matt. 6:33). We are frenetic, because we want treasures everywhere, not just in heaven (Matt 6:19-21). Kingdom living is radical living.
IF YE LOVE ME
The Bible is clear that if we want peace, we must pursue the God of peace (Romans 16:20, Phil. 4:7, Hebrews 13:20). God recognizes our tendencies:
They do not cry to me from the heart,
but they wail upon their beds;
for grain and wine they gash themselves;
they rebel against me. Hosea 7:14.
We fret and we wail, but we will not turn our gaze. Our fears want answers right away; our bodies and minds race. We are deer caught in very scary-looking headlights. He bids us turn to Him, not only in conversion, but in sanctification, to be transformed into His image (2 Cor. 3:18).
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9.
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14.
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15.
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