Finding God in Times of Fear

January 13, 2020. Classmates, young enough to be my grandchildren, filled the room. (Sigh, being a parent-aged student was bad enough.) 

College algebra professor, Dr. Richard Clark, kindly explained course expectations and presented our memory verse:

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10.

Not particularly familiar with this verse, I set out to memorize it – after all, it would be on our tests.  (Little did I know, on that frosty day, how I’d cling to this verse over the next few months.)

March 13, 2020. Due to the coronavirus, Union College decides to close its campus. Quarantined for the rest of the semester, on-line classes replace in-person learning.

“Fear thou not”. Fear has gripped our society. So many fears. Fear of:  COVID-19, pouncing the moment we venture out of our homes. Being asymptomatic. Death. Going to work, school, church, family gatherings. Losing income. Touching carts and making eye contact with other shoppers. Wearing a mask; being shamed for not wearing a mask.  

Fear of: Peaceful protests disrupted with violence and destruction. The police. Defunding the police. The November election. Returning to classes. Inability to complete in-person classes. Unpackaged foods, potlucks, even haystacks! Sports – participating or cheering. Singing. Hugs. Sneezing in public: “Honestly, it’s just allergies!”

“Be not dismayed”.  Dismay: “to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion.  Dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as how to deal with something.” www.merriam-webster.com.

This summer, as buildings downtown were set afire, dismay gripped my soul. My hometown of Lincoln, its civility, my security, was shattered. Never have I seen such fear, anxiety and anger in this city, or in our nation.

How do we get through these turbulent times? More than ever, study God’s word and pray. Limit news reports, for they rouse up negativity and fear. Show kindness to others. Go outside – soak in the beauty. (Our campus is gorgeous – thanks, Plant Services!) Purposely seek for what is good. Read Joshua 1:9. Refresh your soul. 

Union College, God will strengthen, help and uphold you.

Dr. Clark, thank you for teaching us algebra and, especially, Isaiah 41:10. Truth be told, despite your efforts, this verse will be in my memory longer than any algebraic formula.

Sandy Kolb serves as the Office Coordinator of Academic Administration.  Happily married, she has three vibrant daughters, amazing sons-in-law (all in their 30’s), a vivacious 13-year-old daughter, one grandchild (with another due in October), and, of course, our lovable Goldendoodle, Tucker.