We Need Not fear

Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,  ~Proverbs 3:25
Just watching the news at night is enough to make one very afraid. Train wrecks, mass shootings, kidnappings, plane crashes, explosions, radiation leaks, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, mudslides, new wars, old wars, political upheaval, financial doom, and etc. Thousands upon thousands dying from these disasters and to top it off we have hunger, disease, and crime. The wicked one is growing stronger today and regardless of the message of good times and prosperity we hear from some, things are going to get worse. The writer of this proverb didn't say "if trouble comes" but "when trouble comes". Yes, there are plenty of things to be afraid of, but for the Christian we don't have to fear. 

for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.  ~Proverbs 3:26

When sudden terror or trouble from the wicked one comes, we as Christians have someone who will be there for us. Fear and terror come from not knowing what is going to happen, but for those who have placed their faith and trust in Christ Jesus, there is no need to fear. We have the Lord as our confidence. He is always present with us, for we are indwelled by His Holy Spirit. Bad things still happen to God's people, but we have this confidence; God is in control.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  ~Romans 8:18

Should it be God's will we suffer, or that we experience trouble, it is overshadowed by the glory which He shall reveal in us. The pain of today will be washed away by the glory of eternal life in the presence of God. It is like when I was a child and I stepped on a nail which went all the way through my foot. The pain was excruciating and I was afraid of what might happen. Today the pain is not there, it is only a faded memory. Whatever suffering the Christian is called on to experience, it will not last forever.

and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. ~Matthew 10:22

Trouble is guaranteed for those who have identified themselves with Jesus. He tells us we will be hated just because of our relationship with Him. Over the ages many have found these words to be true. Thousands upon thousands have been martyred and suffered persecution. Again, we do not have to fear, for we are His children and if we suffer as He suffered then we will be glorified as He was glorified.

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.  ~Romans 8:16,17