Choose Your Fears

While economic issues dominate the attention of most people, global issues continue to loom large, causing concern about the future of the United States and its role as the leader of the free world.

Well-known talk show host Dennis Prager recently commented, with prescient insights, on the many intractable problems facing society that are causing people to be fearful. He included economic uncertainty brought on by inflation, supply chain disruptions resulting in shortages of products and commodities, and the illegal influx of hundreds of thousands of unvetted people at the southern border of the United States of America. He detailed the ideological divide between leftist or progressive policies contrasted with conservative philosophy, and the chasm between religious values and secular values in society. He said that as the COVID-19 pandemic ebbs, people still contend with the disease and its fallout. He commented on the alarming increase in violent crime in cities across the country that has roiled neighborhoods and caused families to feel threatened as they go about their daily routine. He cited the heightened abuse of drugs, including fentanyl, which has resulted in an unprecedented number of deaths from drug overdoses.

In the face of all this, long-standing institutions seem to be less help than hindrance. The collapse of the public educational system with the introduction of explicit, deviant sexual instruction in elementary school, along with the confusion resulting from the transgender movement being forced on academia and athletics, has prompted many parents to abandon public schools.

These indications of cultural rot have not developed suddenly but have been quietly introduced into the educational system during the past fifty years or so with the intention of drastically transforming society. The extent of the moral decline of society has finally burst onto the scene for all to see.

Finally, Mr. Prager opined that there is a dearth of leadership in dealing with these fears. In assessing the results of these troubling conditions, Mr. Prager made a profound statement to his vast audience. “Choose your fears!” he exclaimed, as he recounted the serious challenges faced by families and individuals at every stage and station in life. The challenges are real, and discouragement is rampant as people feel they have little control.

These problems are alarming and there is much to fear, depending upon where you are in life and how well prepared you are to face the harsh reality of our collective situation. But what are the reasons—and where is the hope?

The reasons for these worrisome conditions are clear—if one knows where to look. Hope for the answers to the problems of mankind is not found in political philosophies, however. The solutions are found in sound spiritual principles. There is cause and effect. The Bible, God’s word, contains specific prophecies given anciently by our Creator that detail the conditions we now see all about us—and their cause. You will find them in the Old Testament, in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28. I challenge you to read these prophecies along with Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. These poignant passages of Scripture contain the solutions to the problems we face today.

There is a fear that is positive. It is a thread that runs through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. This fear has a profound positive effect on a person’s thoughts and behavior. It is not a feeling of terror, but a sense of awe and deep respect for what our Heavenly Father desires for mankind. Anciently, the Israelites were instructed, “… what does the Lord require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good” (Deuteronomy 10:12–13).

Does this mean that nothing bad will happen to a person obeying God’s commandments? No, yet putting these instructions into practice does lead to peace of mind and avoidance of much of the evil that occurs all around us. Psalm 1 is a beautiful poem that describes the benefits (blessings) of this way of life.

Solomon, imbued with special wisdom by God, gave this instruction: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14).

As the world, under the influence of Satan, continues to careen into a time of great trouble, you have a choice. You may choose anxiety and distress, or the better choice which is to “fear God and keep His commandments” asking for His deliverance and the peace of mind that only He can bring.

Our television programs and study guides are great resources for understanding these eternal truths. They are available free of charge at TomorowsWorld.org.