Do you know what is the most repeated idea in the Bible? Do not be afraid. 

Late Presbyterian pastor and Senate chaplain, Lloyd Ogilvie, says in his book Facing the Future without Fear that the phrase appears 366 times – one for each day of the year and one for Leap Year. This is not exactly true; the actual phrase does not appear that many times. However, if you include the sentiment – all the times the God says not to worry, not to be anxious, not to be afraid, or reminds us that he is with us – then it is true that this is the most repeated idea in Scripture. In fact, it appears many more than 366 times. 

It is even a more frequent sentiment than the sentiment that we are to love and care for one another. Perhaps this is because we cannot truly love and care for one another as long as we are afraid. It is the knowledge that God is with us, that we should not fear, that allows to fulfill the command to love our neighbor. 

Do not be afraid is... 

•  what the Lord says to Abraham when he sends him from his home
•  what Joseph says to his brothers when they come to Egypt
•  what the Lord says to Moses at the burning bush
•  what Moses says to God’s people wandering in the wilderness
•  what the Lord says to Gideon when he was called to lead his people
•  what Elijah says to the widow of Zarephath
•  what David affirms over and over in the Psalms
•  what the prophets say repeatedly to the people of God
•  what the angel says to Mary and then to Joseph
•  what the angels say to the shepherds in the field
•  what Jesus says to the disciples when he calls them, to the disciples in the storm, to the leader of the synagogue whose daughter had died, and to the crowds who gathered to hear him teach - what the angels say to the women at the tomb
•  what the Lord says to Paul on the road to Damascus
•  what the Lord says to all humankind in John’s Revelation 

And I believe it is what the Lord is saying to us now. 

In the midst of COVID-19 and suppression protocols and social distancing and empty grocery shelves and toilet paper scarcity and pictures on the Nightly News of people standing in long lines wearing masks and gloves waiting to get in Costco, we are tempted to be overwhelmed with fear, anxiety, and worry. 

In this environment, God says to us, Do not be afraid. Do not choose fear. I am with you. 

And you know what? Some people are listening. How do I know? Because I see it in the community. People helping one another, serving one another, running errands for one another. Restaurants and hotels and school systems feeding children for free. Neighbor helping neighbor, checking in on those who are alone or worried or elderly. Facebook groups sharing information and figuring ways to help. 

These things couldn’t happen – wouldn’t happen – if fear was the dominant emotion. Loving and caring for one another can only happen when we know God is with us, therefore we need not be afraid. 

God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Therefore, we will not fear. (Psalm 46:1) 

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. (Psalm 56:3-4) 

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not fear any evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4) 

Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) 

Grace and peace… 
Pastor Tim