D. L. Moody Center president: ‘As we recognize that God is not only able but willing to provide us with an ultimate deliverance, we also recognize there is nothing to fear’

November 14, 2022

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — With the results of the 2022 midterm elections in hand, many Americans — Republican and Democratic alike — are finding themselves afraid of what the future might hold for the nation. While those who don’t know Christ as Lord might have reason to fear the future, Christians should have confidence in what lies ahead. Rather than living in fear, D. L. Moody Center (moodycenter.org) President Dr. James Spencer encourages Christians to seek the Lord for guidance during times of doubt with his latest offering, “Discipleship Against Fear: Becoming One who Fears the Lord.” The eight-week devotional is designed to guide participants through the realities of fear and how Christ-followers should respond when afraid.

“We live in uniquely unsettling times,” Spencer stated. “Despite what we might wish to think, our times are no more or less ‘Christian’ than any other. The world and its nations always align with God’s order to varying degrees. We may feel more comfortable because of certain societal configurations, but such comfort will always be fleeting and false when rooted in the world’s resources, politics, and norms. The world will never provide the sort of security necessary to abolish fear. The world is unstable and vulnerable. Without God, fear and dread are natural responses to the broken world we see before us. It is out of our control and seems intent on overwhelming us.

“Fear is a relatively common emotion. When things seem out of our control, we tend to feel fear and anxiety. Our vulnerability and finite capacities create uncertainty. We don’t know what will happen next. The world is a terrifying place when we are on our own. Thankfully, we are not alone. We have a shepherd.

“The ancient shepherd’s primary responsibility was to provide the sheep with their basic needs and to protect the sheep from predators and thieves. The shepherd cares for the flock and ensures that they “lack nothing” (Ps 23:1; cf. Deut 2:7; 8:9; Neh 9:21). When God is our shepherd, we will experience security and can be content with what we have.”

Spencer continued, “Fear is an emotion with which we will continue to deal as we live in a fallen world. Yet, as we recognize that God is not only able but willing to care for us and to provide us with an ultimate deliverance, we also recognize there is nothing to fear. In Christ, who conquered sin and death, we know that ‘to live is Christ and to die is gain’ (Phil 1:21).”

To hear more from Spencer on the biblical response to fear, see his recent OPED.

“Discipleship Against Fear: Becoming One who Fears the Lord” is available for free download now.

The D. L. Moody Center is pleased to announce the launch of its new eight-day Bible plan, Useful to God, on the YouVersion app. Drawing on Spencer’s book titled “Useful to God: Eight Lessons from the Life of D. L. Moody,” this Bible plan examines eight characteristics evident in the Scriptures and in the life of D. L. Moody (e.g., surrendered, prayerful, humbled, undistracted, and studious). Thousands have already completed the plan, with hundreds more subscribing daily.

The D.L. Moody Center is an independent non-profit organization located in Northfield, Massachusetts. Dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of Dwight Moody, the D. L. Moody Center is a catalyst for spiritual formation in New England and beyond through evangelism and discipleship.   

The D. L. Moody Center is not a school. Nevertheless, there is much to learn by studying D. L. Moody and what God accomplished through his life which began in New England, at the Northfield, Massachusetts campus, the heart of Moody’s ministry as well as his childhood home.   

Learn more about D. L. Moody Center by visiting moodycenter.org or follow the ministry on Facebook or Twitter.