Why Should I Fear? Volume 2

Volume 2 continues with Biblical stories that concern fear, dread, anxiety, and worry. In recent years we have been surrounded by many fears: the old fears of public speaking and failure; rejection, isolation, and loneliness; loss and poverty; persecution, war, tyranny, and oppression; injury, disease and death. To these have been added the particularly modern fears of climate change and invasive technology. What is to prevent us from being swallowed up by such concerns in society, and inside ourselves? Where is help to be found?
Why Should I Fear? demonstrates that we can face and conquer fears of all sorts by considering Biblical stories and acknowledging the diverse ways in which God helped people in the past. The author points out the potentially overwhelming experiences in which God delivered his people. In the face of what seem like intolerable events and crushing personal conditions, we can know-just as surely as Biblical people knew-that God is trustworthy to work in our lives. He is the same God now as then.
Historical and geographical contextual information 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 real and continues to work in our world.
If you are plagued by fear, if world news frightens or depresses you, then Why Should I Fear? promises to speak courage or comfort into your life. And while each reflection might not speak to your individual 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.