We have all probably seen or heard the phrase “Faith over Fear.” The phrase now adorns t-shirts, hats, and even coffee mugs. It became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was meant to help Christians keep their focus on faith in Christ rather than being fearful of the virus. The idea itself is actually a good thing to remember. As we Christians tarry in this temporal, sinful world, we need to make sure our attention is always on Jesus Christ. But how well are we doing to have faith over fear when troubles and distress come our way? We wear the hats and the shirts, but how well do we live it out? It seems that, at times, we flounder in this area, inverting the idea to “Fear over Faith.”
One example that comes to mind is the recent news that some government officials supposedly met with a few anonymous pastors to disclose the existence of aliens. Social media was aflame with headlines like “The Existence of Aliens Could Shake the Foundations of the Bible!” YouTube personalities jumped on the bandwagon, believing it of utmost importance to instruct Christians how to think about aliens. The apocalypticism was palatable. Clickbait headlines meant to arouse fear, anxiety, and urgency popped up all over social media. Fear over faith was clearly evident.
Or take the news that concerns Israel. Personalities like John Hagee and Jonathan Kahn point to wars and battles in the Middle East, especially with Israel, to alarm Christians of the possible impending end of the world. “Don’t be left behind!” we are told. “Be watchful for the Anti-Christ!” “Don’t get the mark of the Beast!” With the news in one hand and the Bible in the other, the apocalyptic prophets often proclaim a message of fear over faith.
But what does Jesus say about this? Jesus affirms that we will face trouble in this life and be tempted to cave into fear. As he was preparing for his arrest, Jesus instructed his disciples, “In the world you have tribulation” (Matt 10:31; NASB). He told them on several occasions that they would even be persecuted, arrested, and face execution (for example, see Matt 23:34). Trouble, anxiety, fear, and tribulation are all a part of this world.
Jesus, however, teaches us to keep our faith in him and not fear. He told his disciples (and he says to us), “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (Jn 14:27). Significantly, Jesus said these words in connection with sending the Holy Spirit to his disciples. In other words, Jesus acknowledges that fear and trouble are real, but he encourages them not to fear because he is not leaving them alone: he is sending the Spirit to be with them. Jesus went on to tell his disciples later that “in the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33). We have nothing to fear in this world because we have the Spirit and Jesus himself has conquered all thing that tempt us to fear.
So, how are you doing with living out faith over fear? Have you inverted it to “Fear over Faith?” The next time you are tempted to dive into the fear that much of our world feeds to us, remember: we have the Holy Spirit. He comforts us. He leads us. He gives us peace. God has not left us alone in this world. And Jesus himself has already conquered the evils and tribulations of this world. Stay confident in him, trusting that he cares for you and will do what is best for you. He will indeed give you peace! Cast out fear; hold on to faith!
Pastor Pete