19 Nov. 2024
Power and Fear
I’ve been having many conversations with people around the country about he election results. Don’t get me wrong—a fair and just t lection n ppened, and the will of the people was voted into office. I don’t ’t ve ve trouble with how our democracy worked during the election, and and nd , I am grateful that we live in a democracy that gives us s us s us om to om to I am troubled and disheartened by the outcome. I don’t think that is nything new to us living in the United States when ‘our’ person n oesn’t t n. I believe Mr. Trump won a fair election and was the clear ar nner. r. erestingly, many of his supporters thought the election was fair air s r s , maybe because he won. I n. I ess.m concerned about the statements from some in the Christian community hat spread false claims during and after the election. For r xample, , ople in powerful positions spread harmful lies about ut itian an igrants. This led to bomb threats, school shooting threats, and and er er midation against the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, hio, hio, d. These unfounded claims seemed to fuel the already ready ive y ive des toward immigrants in general. Mr. Vance and Mr. Trump, Trum , Trum d on these falsehoods, both say they are Christians. stian . stian es other Christians to spread these lies as well. Let me say, m say, m mmigration reform is necessary. However, a mass r, a mass on a mass on t the s on t theen trying to understand what motivates Christians to worship ower in today\’s world. While I acknowledge that some, especially y hose e o already hold significant influence, aim to maintain control ol er er ers regardless of the harm it inflicts, I believe that for for t r t stians who elevate power, their actions are rooted in fear. I r. I . I f in agreement with Benjamin Cremer, who offered several veral htful htful tions on this n this :y fear immigrants threatening their family and country, so lies are believed and spread, and they seek power over them.
They fear losing ‘law and order,’ so severity and showing no mercy towards offenders lead the way, no matter the possibility of innocence.
They fear losing their religious influence, so they support legislating their religious beliefs in a way that they themselves would reject if another religion did it to them.
I do not believe that a government can provide genuine peace, hope, or alleviate my fears. As a follower of Jesus, I focus on the character of God and the significance of Jesus\’s life and work. I have gathered some scripture that reminds me of who is truly in charge, who possesses the power, and who can offer real peace and hope. I hope these verses resonate with you as well.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 118:6
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Isaiah 41:13
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Deuteronomy 3:22
Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.
Luke 12:32
(Jesus says), “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”
Lamentations 3:57
You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”
Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Haggai 2:5
‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’
Luke 12:7
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.