The Fear Knot

The Fear Knot

I was flying my first cross-country flight, when I mistakenly thought I could get to the destination before the overcast conditions took over. Momentary fear captured my mind and I did the only hopeful thing, in the face of danger: I called ATC for assistance. The short story is that ATC was tracking me on radar, calmly directed me to the destination airport, guided my direction and I landed safely. I had experienced the “knot” of fear down deep in my heart and was relieved only because I sought help.

The year 2020 has been a year in which I have been in direct ministry with people, who have been tied in knots due to the fear of the Covid-19 virus. We have been afraid of most everything and everyone and almost in a daily fashion were given warnings about the imminent dangers of a pandemic. Focusing on germs, washing our hands, utilizing disinfectant, wearing masks, practicing social distancing and remembering how we may be vulnerable became our priority. We began to be afraid, even when we weren’t personally ill. Even as healthy people, we began to isolate and quarantine ourselves from others. It didn’t take long for the desperation of loneliness to set in and frustrated most everything in our personal planning.

On the good side, fear is an appropriate response to danger and that usually results in an increase not only in our own heart rate and our own alertness, we even sense an extra-ordinary strength to carry out the necessary escape.

My friends, in the Psychology field, predict possible negative outcomes of chronic fear, of physical health being weakened, emotions exhibiting extra anxiety and worry, with memory and decision-making damaged. On top of that, fear just wears us out to the point of possible depression. My guess is that we think there is no hope.

Wow! If there was ever a need to hear a hope filled word from the Lord, it is now. “FEAR NOT!” It is the “fear not” of Jesus, that is the remedy for my “fear knot.” That remedy has worked through all of human history and still works today:

• When Abram was afraid that God could not keep His promise, God said: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Genesis 15:1
• King David reminded himself of not needing to fear with this: 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. Psalm 23:4
• The angels would announce to the shepherds: Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10
• Jesus would comfort his disciples in the middle of the storm: ²⁰ But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”

When Jesus says: “Don’t be afraid”, He doesn’t minimize our fear. He recognizes it and knows that only His reminder of His presence will remove it.

Are you all in “knots” because of the events of 2020? Sometimes, I’m right there with you too, all tied up. It is then I remind myself of Jesus words and also the words of the Lord to Joshua, when he was about to assume the leadership of the children of Israel and lead them into the promised land: ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

The answer to my “Fear Knot” is His “fear not!”