Know No Fear

Whether he was cast as Luther Heggs in "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" or Barney Fife in "The Andy Griffeth Show," perhaps there was no better face-of-fear than Don Knotts.  He pretty much set the standard for what fear looks like! In an interview years ago, Franklin Graham said America has embraced a "culture of death."  He followed this observation with an example of a top-rated television show about zombies.  The minimization (even glorification) of evil is dangerous, and has effectively distorted our sense of fear.  In the dark and dank recesses of a cave, God pressed Elijah to face his fear.  He had just witnessed God judge 850 false prophets then defy nature by sending fire from heaven, yet one lone enraged woman sent him into hiding.  While we quickly and easily forget God's power and faithfulness, we also fear the wrong things!  We all know what it is to fear physical harm, but I doubt any of us fully comprehend the evil forces that exist in the spiritual realm.  God's deep and abiding love for mankind was manifested (made visible & real) in Jesus, Who casts away all fear: "There is no fear in Love." (1 John 4:18).  Christ-in-us is much bigger than any shiver or shudder because "He Who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4).  The psalmist penned it beautifully, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You." (Psalm 56:3).  Christians are wise to be alert and cautious of spiritual threats, and boldly face fear in the power of One Who scatters all fear.  Know Him today and know no fear!​