Dear Trekker,

Charles Dickens, said it: “It was the best of times, it was the word of times…” (Paris, 1789). Are we saying (or seeing) something similar today? The economy of the nation is strong and booming, employment is up by every measure; yet, we are to “Fear: Trump in the White House.” (Or is it really, simply, “Fear Trump in the White House”?) Many pundits and average citizens are applauding his policies; many detest his style. Which is it…good news or bad news? Faith or fear?

“God is good” we say! The Apostle Paul had a word for the “good news” of God…gospel! Trekker, if you believe the “good news,” the gospel, you are an evangelical! It is simply the Greek word for good news…evangelion. One of my best friends in my “Greek days” was named Evangelos, as were many Greek boys (and girls) so named.

This word gospel has both personal and political implications. When we see how relentlessly a duly elected head of a nation can be vilified on a daily basis, we say, that is “bad news.” No matter what might be good in nature and in our God-honoring relationships, the “world (or nation) is going to hell in a hand basket.” We say, “God is punishing us.” And we are afraid! Fear has flowed over us as flood water over the land.

Fear is a feeling of fright or alarm caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous to our welfare and is likely to cause pain. Fear then is a natural reaction over impending calamity we cannot control. We “live through our fears” (or we die, as in armed combat) and replace fear with faith, courage, positive outcomes and hopeful expectation… not because of our fears, but in spite of them. Courage in combat (a soldier talking) is nothing more than doing your job regardless of how you feel. Good training, faith in God, self and teams and good equipment can win the battle. Fear need not immobilize or force “give up.”

Yet, little wonder why we “fear” when incredible things happen! Luke 2 gives the account of the angels telling the shepherds to “fear not.” We all have a tendency to fear what we do not understand, what seems to be “inexplicable,” particularly anything (including angels) from outer space! I’m glad the angels told the shepherds that starry night the words, “fear not.” It definitely was a legitimate “human fear situation” for the shepherds.

The personal implication of the announced “good news” that night becomes a harbinger of all the good to come in Jesus the Christ, and the foundation of each person’s salvation. “History shows that people who believe and live in response to the good news are not naïve innocents, but the most clear-sighted realists” (Eugene Peterson, “Traveling Light, 1988, pg 39).

Trekker, let us remember there is always “good news” among the “bad” regarding this word fear. The final answer to fear is God’s answer…”I will never leave or forsake you” (Hebrews 13: 5-6). The Lord is our Helper, our Comforter, who else do we need or want! We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us (Romans 8:35-37).

The following personal meditation notes are a five-fold hedge to reverse fear as “bad news” and keep the “good news” front and center.

First, Good news is still good news. The Gospel is forever. It was not an afterthought in the mind of God. The Gospel is forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration into the desired created relationship with God as He intended when he created us. The Forever Lover and Life Giver knows what He is about. He will not fail in His plan. His plans are identical to His performance…both ever-present and everlasting!

Second, word and deed are a powerful combination! When we act upon our intentions and launch out in faith and action, we dispel fear. When we give our word, face our fears and follow-through with what we ought to do, triumph emerges from the ashes of fear. That is why the profession of soldiery was so rewarding for me. Courage and bravery rise to the fore simply because in faith and hope it is better to plow ahead. Let’s roll! Let the chips fall where they may! If I die, I will forever live! Jesus planned  it all!

Third, boldness and energetic joy count for a lot more than strategy. Trekker, all we need to do is fight fear, boldly and gleefully. We are winners. We will overcome. We just must get on with it.  Bold expectation to fight fear will always carry the day. As I reflect on the leadership of Joshua and the fall of Jericho, I perceive a great amount of joy in the camp. Who but God could ever devise such an unorthodox strategy. And archaeology tells us the walls fell outward, not inward. But oh, the boldness and the joy. (Trekker, read again, Joshua 5:13-6:27.)

Fourth, unity is a powerful force multiplier! We must stand together and face our fears and enemies. Gideon’s men were indeed living as a “force multiplier.” God desires faithful men fit for battle. His capabilities are unlimited, but He  chooses men of faith, those willing to live and act by and on faith. We are one in Christ, a mighty army, the Lord’s army. We cannot and will not be defeated if we walk and live in faith. God is pleased when we walk in unity (Psalm 133:1).

Fifth, faithfulness is too often understated when overcoming fear. The old adage, “it’s too soon to quit” is always true when living in the God dimension of life. God is “there,” right where we are. We go nowhere without Him, Trekker. This concept of “He will never leave us or forsake us” is as timeless a concept as there is in Scripture. In multiple ways, it pops up over and over again. We simply must believe and act upon His faithfulness, strength and determined outcome. Jesus always wins…hence, we do too! Never forget, the worst of history’s headlines was, “Jesus was crucified yesterday!” That’s bad news! But the “bad news” brought the greatest “good news” man could ever conceive of… fellowship and love with Him forever.

In closing, I’ve just finished Ecclesiastes  in my daily readings. The final admonition is telling: “Fear God and obey his commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13.14). If we fear God, we will fear no other. If we love, respect, reverence, honor, praise and live out His life, His way and in His time, we will “fulfill the entire duty of man.” Let’s do it trekker, let’s do it!

Your trekker friend,

Jim Meredith