When fear begins to sweep across a nation, we must stop to assess what is forming our fearful thoughts and then reorder our minds to fear only God and nothing else. None of us will always know what is going on in our world all the time but when the obvious begins to unfold and fear wants to infect our hearts and minds, it is critical at that moment to place our focus on God alone, not the contagious virus of fear. 

As this week begins and the financial markets open today, both our national and global banking system is revealing cracks of vulnerability after the collapse of several banks. The word “contagion” is being used to describe the fear rising in people’s hearts about the possibility that the FDIC will not be able to back the deposits of bank clients. In some estimates, this fear is not unfounded because the FDIC has only a fraction of the funds needed to back up deposits, not stem the domino effect of collapsing banks and a resulting run on those failed banks by depositors who want to withdraw their funds. 

While an unfounded contagion is never a wise lead to follow, it is wise to take a moment to discern if the contagion is in the system, not in those who have legitimate concerns about their deposits. Social commentators and politicians who tell us all is well and not to be concerned carry little weight when people have been put in unnecessary jeopardy by foolish policies and leaders who are in it for themselves, not for the people they are supposed to care for and protect. To dismiss any concern would be like going to an oncologist and having them tell you the massive tumor in your body is nothing to worry about.

If we have failed to realize the severity of what is happening or have been led to believe all is well and chose to accept a false narrative at face value without examination, God will be merciful when a negative outcome finally comes to fruition. The Lord will not leave us without hope if we are willing to repent of our naivety and the ease by which we were so easily duped.

Historically, when God’s people find themselves painted into a corner, and are bankrupt of options, He will be faithful to open our eyes to show us the way out. That way out will not be revealed by the wisdom of the world that created the problem in the first place. It will be revealed when we are willing to follow the still small voice of God – a voice that would have never led us into this desperate corner in the first place.