In a world fraught with war, crime, uncertainty, and increasing immorality, it is easy for a person to let fear and anxiety overtake him. To a certain extent, it makes sense that a person tied to the comforts and cares of this world would be easily overtaken by fear. After all, since a worldly person's heart lies with his physical treasure (Matt. 6:21), doesn't it make sense that the loss or destruction of such would be a terrible blow to that person's heart and peace of mind? For such an individual to lose all of his possessions would mean that his life is essentially gone.

On the other hand, the child of God who has laid up treasure in heaven really has no reason to fear. His treasure is safely kept "where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matt. 6:20).

Additionally, the Christian doing his best to live righteously for the Lord has no reason to fear what others may do to him. The psalmist wrote in Psalm 118:6 - "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" What indeed? The Christian's hope and trust should not be shackled to anything upon this earth--including his physical body.

Friends, we must be mindful that our life on this earth is temporary (James 4:14). When trials come upon us (and we know they will), we should keep in mind the apostle Paul's words to the church at Rome: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Rom. 8:28). We may not understand why things happen the way they do, but we should realize that things will work out for those who belong to God and truly love Him. When we know this and believe it whole-heartedly, we too can speak like Paul who told the church at Philippi, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21).

How about you? Where is your trust? Is it placed within your finances or your own abilities? Is your trust placed within earthly possessions? Or is it with the Lord?

Dear friends, when the storms of life are raging and we find fear and anxiety creeping into our life, let us proclaim like the prophet Isaiah: "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; 'For YAH, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.'" (Isa. 12:2)!