Almost everybody I talk with, lately, mentions how afraid they are. They fear disease, violent unrest, and the unknown direction of our government which might result from the upcoming election.

It seems as though everyone is afraid of what the future may hold in these unsettled times. So, what is the antidote for so much fear?

Is it courage?

While it takes courage to tackle our fears and do what must be done, even when we are afraid, the courage to act is secondary. Before every brave action comes faith. Whether faith in oneself or faith that help is on the way, we need faith to overcome the paralysis of fear.

Even in the midst of fires, floods, riots, and disrespect toward one another, we can live bold lives if we have faith.

There is a passage in the Old Testament which assures us that whatever we may be going through has been endured before:

What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 1:9

Even a brief look at history tells us that during Bible times, both Old and New, the people knew as great or greater calamities and uncertainties as we do today. Yet, the prophets of old and the writers of the New Testament acted boldly to follow God’s leading despite the risk to their very lives.

This should give us confidence to respond fearlessly to the perils of today. The Apostle Paul was in great danger throughout his ministry, yet he wrote the following words to his young protégé, Timothy:

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

As Christians who have received that perfect love which casts out fear (1 John 4:18), it behooves us to display the power of our faith in God by exhibiting love and self-discipline in all we do. Even in these scary circumstances.