For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
“In times of danger our heart is so prone to sinking fears. The sin of unbelief is the real cause for most distracting and afflictive fears. If men would dig to the root of their fears, they would certainly find unbelief there. The less faith, the more fear. All the skill in the world can never cure us of the disease of fear, until God cures us of our unbelief. This sin in God’s own people is the cause and fountain of their fears. It is the office of faith to effect the soul with the invisible things of the world to come. This encourages us to face the fears and dangers of the present world (Heb. 11:27). If faith is weakened in the soul, and if invisibles seem uncertain, and visibles the only realities, no wonder we are so scared and frightened when these visible and sensible comforts [toilet paper, anyone?] are endangered. A man is afraid to stand his ground if he is not thoroughly persuaded the ground he stands on is firm....
“But the divine promises give us a refuge from our fears. They fortify a Christian in evil times through their dependence upon God for protection. The cutting off of this retreat through unbelief deprives the soul of comfort and support and fills the heart with anxiety and fear.... Unbelief places our dearest interests in our own hands, and so fills the heart with distracting fears. But believers have committed their souls and all that is precious and valuable to them into the hands of God by faith, and putting them into such safe hands, they enjoy quietness and peace.”
~John Flavel (Voices from the Past, Volume 2, March 15)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
- Hebrews 4:15-16
