“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NKJV

Sixteen years ago, on 9/11/2001, our nation started its journey through the valley of the shadow, a journey which continues to this day. Fear gripped our nation for months afterwards and that fear has become a part of the national psyche, influencing foreign and domestic policy, individual freedoms, and even our presidential elections.

We seem paralyzed to move beyond the fear planted in our hearts on that awful day, yet our fear is out of proportion to the actual danger. Terrorist attacks have actually decreased in number since 2001 and the odds of dying from a terrorist attack are only about 1 in 20,000,000.[1] In spite of this our fear has made us close our borders to refugees, contributed to Islamophobia, and led to the resurgence of the white supremacist movement. Our fear has caused untold misery and hardship, both to us and to the other nations of the world.

The cost of our collective fear is mind boggling. The estimated financial cost of the War on Terror is almost $5 billion dollars so far[2], but the human cost has been far greater. About 7000 U.S. servicemen have died in the War on Terror, more than twice as many as the 2996 people killed on 9/11. There have been almost 200,000 civilian deaths in Iraq[3] and over 26,0000 Afghan civilians killed.[4]

Fear cripples nations, separates peoples, and destroys lives. Yet we do not need to live in fear. We have a God who loves us, who will never leave us nor forsake us. He declares, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.” Isaiah 41:10. He tells us, “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.

With God on our side, we will “…shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday” for “He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” (Psalm 91: 5-6,3-4).

We must never forget what happened on September 11, 2001 and we must take the necessary steps to prevent anything like it from ever happening again. However, as we remember the fallen of 9/11 and honor those who have sacrificed so much to secure our freedom since, let us no longer give into fear. Let us speak no longer of revenge or retribution. Instead let us “Love [our] enemies, do good to those who hate [us]. Luke 6:27.

Let us not turn away another because of the color of their skin or their nation of origin, but let us share with them good news of Him who came to put an end to evil once and for all. Let us dwell not on the misery and despair of this earth, but speak of the promise of a glorious tomorrow in a land where “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4.

Strife and despair may surround us, armies may rise, and storms may rage, but we need not be afraid. Today, as we are walk through the valley of the shadow, we need “fear no evil” for God is with us. He will protect us. He will guide us. He will lead us home.

Until then we will not fear – God is near!

[1] https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2013/09/11/nine-facts-about-terrorism-in-the-united-states-since-911/?utm_term=.c91bd8461e25

[2] http://www.homelandsecuritynewswire.com/dr20160914-u-s-spending-on-war-on-terror-since-9-11-to-reach-4-79-trillion-in-2017

[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casualties_of_the_Iraq_War

[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilian_casualties_in_the_war_in_Afghanistan_(2001%E2%80%93present)