On March 4, 1933 Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated as the 32nd President of the United States. Roosevelt had won a landslide victory over incumbent Herbert Hoover, people were anxious, and the nation was edgy. World War I had long ended, and World War II was many years away. So why was the nation on the edge? Because the United States was at the height of the Great Depression. Times were tough, there was uncertainty, and people were afraid. Thus, there was great anticipation for Roosevelt’s first inaugural address. (He did get reelected for a second term).
In his 20-minute long inaugural speech President Roosevelt said this: “So, first of all, let me
assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is...fear itself …” And he described fear as a “nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror…” The nation had fought and survived a military war (World War I); and now it was fighting an economic war (the Great Depression). When a people are unsure how their basic needs will be met, and when they’re unable to care for themselves and their families, fear sets in. And fear can become domineering and debilitating.
The current COVID-19 global pandemic has created enough fear to go around. Consider the statistics: over 800,000 cases in 201 countries and territories. Globally, more than 39,000 people have died due to this pandemic. In the United States, there are now more than 165,000 confirmed cases, with more than 3,000 deaths. The world’s most resilient economy is moving at an unprecedented slow pace, and about 80% of the world’s greatest nation is under “stay home” or“lockdown” orders. As if this is not enough, Federal health officials are now forecasting that the death toll could rise exponentially! What’s the natural outcome from such an environment? Fear.
But this is not the time to be fearful. We should push back against fear instead of becoming
paralyzed by fear. There are many good books about how to deal with anxiety and uncertainty. But I want to reference one book—it’s an old book but it always has a good solution for any situation. That book is the bible. It says, “For God did not give us a spirit of fear…” (2 Tim. 1:7).This means that fear is not within you, but it is something that comes upon you, due to the circumstances around you. So, we shouldn’t let fear hang out with us at this time, or any other time.
Here’s something else I got from this old book with good solutions for anybody’s situation: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7). Being anxious or fearful does not enhance your ability to deal with a difficulty. Always do your best and trust God with the rest. And if you don’t believe in God, just do your part. God will still do his part because of his loving kindness and tender mercies toward you.
The current health pandemic may induce fear, but God can use it to produce faith, especially in places where there was none. And for those of us who have faith, God will increase our faith so we can fight and overcome this fear that is gripping our world. One more look in that old book,and you’ll find that God can use bad situations to produce better conditions. (Gen. 50:20).
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