Joshua 1.9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
We are living in a time that requires great courage from the people of God. There are social and political forces at work in our society that are seeking to distort and destroy the founding principles of our nation. There are people—some tragically manipulated and misinformed, others intentionally malicious—who reject the ideas and institutions that have made America a beacon of liberty and opportunity for millions around the world.
Covid, economic upheaval and uncertainty, racial conflict, political animosity, relentless media misinformation, and dreadful leadership (from both parties) have all combined to create an atmosphere of confusion and fear.
It is no surprise, then, that anxiety disorders have increased by more than 25% nationwide, with young people being most dramatically affected. Here is what a recent report says about the psychological impact of the pandemic on students:
“The grief, anxiety and depression children have experienced during the pandemic is welling over into classrooms and hallways, resulting in crying and disruptive behavior in many younger kids and increased violence and bullying among adolescents. For many other children, who keep their sadness and fear inside, the pressures of school have become too great.
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts among adolescents jumped 31% in 2020, compared with 2019. In February and March of this year, emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts were 51% higher among girls aged 12–17 than during the same period in 2019.
Last month, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association declared that the pandemic-related decline in child and adolescent mental health has become a national emergency.”
With our current national context in mind—as well as whatever challenges you are personally experiencing—let’s consider Simon Peter’s transformation from fear to faith. There is much we can learn and apply to our current (and future) situation.
Peter’s transformation from fear to faith was not a singular event. It did not happen all at once. It was a process of spiritual growth and maturity that took place over time as Peter followed The Path and learned to submit more and more of his life to the love and lordship of Christ.
More tomorrow.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23.4)
