The Only Thing We Have to Fear

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

– Psalm 42:5

It was March 1933. Our nation was in the midst of severe economic turmoil, with millions out of work, homeless, and near despair. And in that fourth year of the Great Depression, fearful Americans needed solutions — and lots of hope.

That’s when the newly elected president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (“FDR”), gave his inaugural address to the nation and reminded his fellow citizens that they had not failed.“Compared with the perils which our forefathers conquered because they believed and were not afraid.” explained Roosevelt, “We have still much to be thankful for.”

Then came the speech’s most memorable line: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Today, 90 years later, some things haven’t changed. We still seek shelter from our fears, which likely have the same roots as those faced by our great-grandparents. Deep down, we may feel discouraged and abandoned because we don’t sense God’s presence. And our self-image is one of inadequacy. But the truth is that God knows the plans he has for us. Moreover, he also sees us for what we can become rather than who we are right now. 

Whatever we fear in this life, let’s remember that we don’t face it alone. In fact, it’s when we’re in God’s presence that we’re the most protected. It’s all a matter of coming to our Father in prayer, listening for his response and guidance, and obeying in faith.

The Great Depression eventually ended through America’s entrance into World War II, and FDR successfully led the nation through years of economic turmoil and global conflict. But he always knew that he could never conquer the giant called FEAR by himself. He instead relied on the guidance of Someone far more powerful and compassionate than himself:

“In this dedication of a Nation we humbly ask the blessing of God.” Roosevelt proclaimed at the conclusion of his first inaugural address. “May He protect each and every one of us. May He guide me in the days to come.”

With FDR’s hopeful admonition in mind, let us never forget the apostle Paul’s words of hope through the New Testament's book of Romans:

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"