Fear not, for I am with you (Isa 41:10)
October 10, 2008 (Friday)
O.K., stock market, you’ve got my attention now. My small portfolio has been reduced in half from what it was 3 months ago. So, I’ll have to go back over my recent blogs and read them to myself, because I’ve been attempting to help folks have strong faith in God’s providential care.
There are a number of reasons for the economic problems that we face today, but the stock market was not the cause of them. The stock market reflects them. The big reason the stock market has dropped so far so fast is psychological. People are afraid. Fear has driven the sell off that has driven stock prices down.
Fear is a ferocious enemy. It causes panic that can cloud judgment and paralyze or confuse the will. What does the Bible say about fear?
The Scriptures speak of the “Fear of the Lord,” which means reverential awe of God, and is commended throughout the Biblical writings. It is a good thing.
The other type of fear mentioned in the Bible is not good. “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (1 (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV). This is the fear that drives us to distraction and it must be overcome if we are to have peace of mind. “Fear not” is a constant theme throughout the Bible. There are so many instances in Scripture of admonitions to avoid or conquer fear that at least one can be found for every day of the year.
“Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You” (Psalm 5:11).