Fear & Lack of Belief in God

​Thoughts from Lead with Faith leadership member, Jeremy Swonger
 
The thought occurred to me that many Americans have a real fear over a virus because of the lack of Faith in God. I have not been the most spiritual person throughout my life. I understand the fear related to death when you don’t believe in something greater. If this life on Earth is all there is, and ever will be for my mind and spirit, then a threat, whether it is a virus or other, would be terrifying.
 
We know there is a declining population attending church; a decline in people who believe in God. Lack of belief leaves a void in those lives, which may lead to asking questions like, “Why am I here? Why don’t I ever feel fulfilled?”
 
Society today has a mantra, “Do what feels good, you only live once”. The problem with this message is that it creates an internal struggle. One part of a person seeks to suppress the exploration of discovering the answers to the previous questions. The other part looks to find ways to justify living as one pleases. I am here to tell you, you do have a purpose and can discover why you are here. You can be fulfilled on your life journey. Most importantly, you are not alone on your journey here on Earth and you have a Creator Who loves you infinitely and forgives.
 
Once God is recognized as your Father, Jesus Christ as Savior of your soul, and Holy Spirit is invited to enter in to your life – you will never again be alone. Humble surrender is the prerequisite to taking these steps. Pride or self-reliance or both, have to be set aside to fully be able to relinquish our lives to the Lord. This act may seem difficult because we do not want to appear weak to others. Or, we may not want to admit to ourselves that we need help. Once one is able to relinquish control, the weight lightens and our outlook and life becomes more positive, as aligned with God’s.
 
This is the grace and love of God being grafted within you – reconciling questions of “Why?” with answers of purpose.
 
This virus can be a wake-up call, a break from the everyday life we are allowing to consume us. Now is a great time to share with others why God is important in your life. Your story of how Jesus can remove fear and fill you with His love, encourages others. Now is an opportunity to own the “lostness” of coworkers, neighbors, friends or family by sharing the Gospel, the Word of our Lord.

Psalm 34:4 “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.