As I reminisce on things from my childhood, I realize it wasn’t so bad growing up in a small town environment. But something has happened through the years that have me concerned. It’s as if my brain is trying to grasp the overwhelming changes that have occurred in such a short span of time; from my youth to now.
Today, there are many people living in bondage that fear the unknown. Sadly, fear has triumphed over trust and peace in their life. Sound judgment, consideration for others, and respect for authority are quickly eroding—replaced with crimes against society in a greater proportion than ever before.
Physical assaults on unsuspecting men, women, boys, and girls; rapes, acts of molestation on innocent children; terrorism and murders, to name a few, are signs of the time spoken of in the Bible: (Romans 1:18-32).
I remember as a young boy walking to and from the grocery store alone at night. The store was at least two blocks away and around the corner from our house, but I never had thoughts of being kidnapped, molested, or beaten to death by a thrill seeker strung out on drugs.
I ventured all over town on Halloween night, by myself, without fear of being hurt by older kids, or eating candy that was laced with strychnine or arsenic by a deranged, unbalanced degenerate. There were never any pins or razorblades hidden in the goodies that I received. Times have changed, but God’s laws haven’t. He will hold people accountable for there dastardly deeds.
At one time, people respected another person’s property. When I was a lad, my parents never locked the house when leaving, nor did they lock the car doors when unattended. Things were different back then—people were different.
The only fear that I can remember having was when I experienced the wrath of my dad after he found out that I lied about something. I didn’t do this too often, because the smooth side of a leather belt convinced me to do otherwise—tell the truth.
My sanctuary was the home I lived in; parents that loved me; and the knowledge that Jesus was my friend and Savior. I was taught that guardian angels were watching over me at all times. Fear of the unknown was not a concern of mine, nor my folks.
Though I still believe in angels, today, I am reluctant to walk down certain streets after dark, or leave my house and car unlocked. It seems as if the security that is expected in one’s home is dependent upon how good the deadbolt and alarm system are. Even these things sometimes fail to detour a wood-be criminal, thief, or child molester from entering.
I don’t live in fear, but I know people that do. I am aware of unknown factors that are around me, which could easily victimize and plunder my small world of living, but I don’t dwell on them. Unscrupulous and godless scum of the earth is everywhere, ready to take advantage of anyone, at any time, when their guard is down.
The unknown is always near us; next door, down the street, or even in our own household. Sin is running rampant, causing people to live in fear. Though sin is on the increase and displays its ugly face in different manifestations, the words found in the Bible can bring solace and peace to a troubled soul, just through reading it.
(1 John ), “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”
I believe that God provides perfect peace for any person that desires to live without fear and trepidation in a troubled society; even with all of its unknown factors in dark places. We can live with a calmness of spirit through Jesus Christ our Lord.
God gives us wisdom how not to allow ourselves to fall victim, and how not to put ourselves into compromising situations that might prove harmful to us— physically and spiritually. We need to listen to that small voice speaking to our consciousness that gives insight, perception, and awareness. If you have a strong feeling not to do a certain thing, go on that feeling. It could be the angel of the Lord speaking to you.
On numerous occasions, through the years, I believe that angels have protected my family members and me from harm, because we listened to the inner voice speaking.
My wife was nine months along with our first child. She stepped into the garage, from inside the house, at her mom and dad’s place and pushed the garage door opener button to close the door. Standing on the step, she had a strong feeling that something was terribly wrong and was about to happen. A sense of urgency caused her to step back into the house.
As soon as she was in the doorway opening, the large spring on the garage door broke and shot across where she was just standing and hit the water heater—putting a large dent into the side of it. It had to be replaced later.
After the incident was over, she stepped down on the step again to see at what level the spring came across with relation to the dent in the water heater. It was at the same level, in line, with her tummy. I shudder to think what would have happened to my wife and baby had she not gone on her feelings. I believe angels protected them that day.
Is this to say that we should walk in fear of the unknown? No. I believe the steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord. Are there things and people that can bring negative aspects our way? Yes, of course; but God is our safe haven and peace. We need not walk in fear of the unknown.
(Psalm 27:1), “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
There have been many other incidents, wherein; something bad would have come to pass had intervention not taken place. I’m sure you are thinking of times in your own life that miracles happened. God is good—our source of strength. I don’t believe in coincidence where God’s children are concerned. I am convinced that angels are everywhere that Christians are.
Though the world holds unfavorable unknowns, the Lord is in full control and has the final say, because He is omnipotent (all powerful). We can rest in Him and be assured that His love for us is everlasting.
(Matthew 28:18), “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’ ”
God loved us so much that He died on a cross for our redemption, to bring us into right standing with Him through our confession of Jesus. Declaring Him as Lord of our life, God forgives our sins and enables us to become joint-heirs with Christ—establishing us as sons and daughters in the family of God.
Written by,
Papa Boyd
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