A struggling friend once accused me of having a Pollyanna approach to life. You just think happy thoughts, look on the bright side, and focus on the good. You pretend the bad stuff doesn’t exists.
Seriously? Does she really think this is how Christians deal with trials?
If my husband came home with a frightening diagnosis or a pink slip in his lunch box, would I say, “Oh, don’t worry. Everything’s going to be fine”?
Probably not.
I would, however, speak biblical truth to him – comfort with teeth. And a backbone.
I would speak one of the most common phrases in the Bible, “Fear not.”
But I wouldn’t stop there.
You see, “Fear not,” even when it comes from the Bible, isn’t enough.
“Fear not” is only half the story. God’s repeated command to his children is powerful because of what comes after the command.
When we face times of trial, sickness, or loss, it isn’t enough to hear someone (even God) say, “Don’t be afraid.” We need to know why we don’t have to be afraid.
Thankfully, when God challenges us not to be afraid, he also tells us why.
Listen:
“Do not be afraid, (insert your name here). I am your shield, your very great reward.” (Gen. 15:1).
Genesis
“Fear not, for I am with you,” (Genesis 26:24).
“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,” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
“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,” (Isaiah 41:10).
When God says, “Fear not” to his children, he backs it up with offers of his help, presence, and protection. No matter what comes into our lives, we don’t have to be afraid, because God is our advocate. Whatever we face, we’ll face with him. And he is a mighty powerful ally.
Will he protect me from every sad, bad, hard trial? No. As long as we live in this sinful, broken world, we will have tribulation. “But be of good cheer,” Jesus said, “I have overcome the world.”
“Do not be afraid,” he commands in the final book of the Bible, “I am the First and the Last,” (Revelation 1:17). In the end all will be made right. In the meantime, God will walk beside me into every trial I face. And with him by my side, I need not be afraid.
To my friend who called me a Pollyanna, I say,
I have powerful comfort – comfort with teeth.
And a backbone.
What do you say when you encounter someone who thinks Christians are Pollyannas? Leave a comment in the box below and share your thoughts.
For some musical reinforcement of “Fear Not,” I know you’ll enjoy Keith and Kristyn Geddy’s “Consider the Stars.” If you’re reading by email and can’t see the video, click here to listen to “Consider the Stars“ on YouTube.
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Amen. I rest in His presence when times are good and also, when times are bad. Have a blessed week dear friend. 🙂
Amen indeed, Melissa. I’m so glad God’s comfort is solid and secure. He’s got us!
What beautiful song. It shares the truths of why we don’t need to be afraid! Thanks for sharing those thoughts. Our reasons to no fear a so real and great.
Don’t you love it, Sandy? Such a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness 🙂
Leaning on Christ in a World that often opposes Him and feels hopeless is the best witness ever. It’s in those difficult moments that we can cling to the Lord in Hope . Trusting Him in the storms of life is where we can proclaim Him and perhaps our Father has a lesson in those moments for me and others all around . I’ll take the “Pollyanna” title and explain why ! My big “Why” …is Jesus ! Thanks be to God 💜🙏✝️
Yes it is, Debbie. Faith in the face of fear or hardship shines a beautiful spotlight on the peace we have in trusting Christ. Pollyanna’s of the world, unite!
Living a life of faith is not Pollyanna-ish. It’s living realistically. The two realities of life are (1) “bad” things happen to good people and sin exists all around us, but (2) believers know Who ultimately is in charge and and that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Rom. 8:28). It’s a positive faith attitude. It’s like what President Reagan was fond of calling “peace through strength.” It’s God’s peace and God’s strength working in and through us.
You are absolutely right, Dennis. A life lived with an accurate picture of God as Lord of the universe and of our lives is an accurate life, a true life, and a glorious life. Apart from the sovereignty and love of God, we’d all live hopeless, helpless lives. Peace through strength indeed, and Strength’s name is Jesus. Thanks for chiming in today.