TRUST AND FEAR NOT by G.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 30, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 52.

TRUST AND FEAR NOT.

By G.

Even in this “enlightened age,” people become alarmed because of some unusual phenomenon. It may be that a comet is approaching the earth, or there are large spots on the sun, or the planets are coming into a relative position not occupied for a long time. Therefore something terrible may happen on the earth, and there is a dread of the pestilence, or the stormy time, or the earthquakes, that these phenomena are supposed to indicate. But the Lord says to His people that they shall not allow these things to trouble them. “Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.” Jer. 10:2.

In olden times, and among uncivilized tribes today, the people were and are dismayed at the occurrence of an eclipse, or at the prediction of catastrophe by some astrologer, or “scientist.” But the Lord’s people are not to follow the example of the heathen in anything; “for the customs of the people [heathen] are vain.” When dismayed at the signs of heaven, they begin extraordinary efforts to set up idols for protection (Verses 3-5), in whom there is no power for evil or for good.

The Word of God gives many warnings of calamities and judgments that should come upon the earth and its people, but it always enjoins a trust in Him under all circumstances, and gives promises of protection to those who do trust Him implicitly. “The Lord is the true God, He is the living God, and an everlasting King; at His wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide His indignation.” Verse 10. In the fifteenth and sixteenth chapters of the Revelation, we are told of the “seven last plagues” that shall be poured out upon the earth at the close of probation, and in one of these the sun is a prominent factor. But from all these our God will be a refuge for those who trust in him. “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” Ps. 91:5-10. G.