CORE STRENGTH

We live in a time when tensions and fear run high. We’ve lived through a pandemic – its residual implications and complications continue. Some grocery store shelves remain bare. Gas prices soar. The stock market plunges. Home interest rates keep rising. Balloons or other entities invade our air space. Unofficial European czars hold forth. Commercials about Jesus spark outrage but demonic displays are applauded.

So what do we do?

Several years ago, before yoga, pilates, and the barre, the craze sweeping the health and fitness world had to do with core strength training—exercises to strengthen your midsection—your abdominal and back muscles. Why strengthen your core? Advocates say a stronger core promotes better balance and stability.

I suggest we go back to strengthening our core. That is, our core beliefs. The Bible mentions the word fear approximately 500 times. On occasion its use describes the benefits of fearing (respecting, loving, trusting) God. Most often, God’s word encourages us not to fear but to place our trust in the Lord.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. (Prov.3:5 NLT)

We have plenty of historical data for the situations we’re currently facing. Plagues, greed, food scarcity, joblessness, homelessness, economic fluctuations, false gods/demon worship, etc. To prevent illness, we can use good common-sense regarding hygiene (handwashing, covering a sneeze/cough, disinfecting surfaces), and travel restrictions. However, there’s only one place our fears belong. Only one power alone can alleviate them.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. (Psalm 56:3 NIV)

David faced many fear-inducing situations, i.e., a bear, a lion, and a giant. So often he says he prayed and meditated on the Word of God. Here’s an example: My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:2 NIV)

The following words were penned by Moses, who learned to trust God with his fears: Be strong and courageous. 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. (Deut. 31:6 NIV)

It’s time to exercise our core beliefs. Do a search in the Bible for words of encouragement - words like trust, hope, or strength. Without breaking a sweat (pardon the pun!), I found one hundred Biblical references using the word strength. Another idea—listen to Christian songs with the word strength in them.

Warning:  cultivating our core beliefs may involve exercising facial muscles too. Smile. Not because we know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds every one of our tomorrows, and we know He is faithful and just.