Why Should I Fear?: Daily Reflections

Climate change, poverty, war, food and water scarcity, inflation, pandemics, artificial intelligence-the list of world issues seems endless. And each news story contributes to our feelings of anxiety and insecurity. On top of external uncertainties are the fears we carry within-fears of failure, rejection, isolation, and loneliness, fears of injury and death. What is to prevent us from being swallowed up by the concerns of this world and our individual spirits? Where is help to be found?

Why Should I Fear? demonstrates that we can face and conquer fear of all sorts by considering Biblical stories and remembering the ways in which God has helped people in the past including persecution, military conflict, familial abuse, famine, deception, discouragement, rejection, natural disaster, illness, and death. In the face of what seem like intolerable events and crushing personal conditions we can discover--just as surely as Biblical people discovered--that God is trustworthy to work in our lives and that we can have hope.

Historical and geographical context helps connect ancient narratives to present times, making the reflections relevant to twenty-first century readers. Readers are encouraged to consider the credibility of Biblical history and to understand that the events and people represented in the Bible existed in real time and in real places. Consequently, readers can trust that the God of the Bible is as real now as then, and continues to work in our world.

If you are plagued by worry, if world news frightens or depresses you, Why Should I Fear? promises to speak courage and comfort into your life. And while each reflection might not speak to your personal fear, the author trusts that through the stories of difficulty and challenge, the sovereignty of God will shine and speak directly to any reader's heart.

Laurel Roberts was inspired to write by listening to the news and realizing how pervasive fear has become. When she could not find a book that discussed the various fears mentioned in the Bible in their theological, historical, and geographical contexts and set in the grand narrative from Creation to the Kingdom, she determined to write the book herself. Her strong Christian background and personal desire to comfort and encourage fellow believers inform each of the reflections contained in Why Should I Fear?.

Laurel Roberts lives in rural Alberta, Canada, with her husband and a revolving population of dogs and cats. She is an active participant in her local church, and when she is not spending time with her grandchildren, she enjoys studying her Bible, organizing curricula, drawing house plans, visiting with friends, and teaching.