Editor’s Note: This is a new feature that we will be running in The Dillon Herald for the foreseeable future. Several local pastors have agreed to participate. Our hope is that it will bring our readers spiritual food, hope, and encouragement as we face this unprecedented time in our nation and world.

By Pastor James W. Bryant
Dillon Congregational
Friday, March 20, 2020
Psalms 56:3,4 (KJV)
(3) What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
(4) In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
With only three years into his Presidency, President Donald Trump has helped lead America into what many once considered, an impossible time of economic prosperity. Almost 4 million jobs have been created since his election. More Americans have been employed than ever recorded before in our history. More than 400,000 manufacturing jobs have been created. Manufacturing jobs have grown at the fastest rate in more than three decades. Unemployment claims hit a 49-year low. Median household income hit highest level ever recorded. African-American unemployment recently achieved the lowest rate ever recorded. Hispanic-American unemployment is at the lowest rate ever recorded. Asian-American unemployment recently achieved the lowest rate ever recorded. Women’s unemployment reached the lowest rate in 65 years. Youth unemployment recently hit the lowest rate in nearly half a century. The lowest unemployment rate ever recorded for Americans without a high school diploma was achieved. Veterans’ unemployment recently reached its lowest rate in nearly 20 years. Almost 3.9 million Americans have been lifted off food stamps, and on and on and on and on. Yet amid all of President Trump’s recent economic successes, America now faces the possibility of losing all of them because of the Coronavirus.
Trouble has a way of making man rethink, and that is not a bad thing. There are times when circumstances have been calculated to awaken the fears of man, a nation, the world. There are times when being in affliction and or nigh to death excites our greatest fears, and or too, motivates us in our greatest comfort.
David turned to God in trouble. His faith was the actual antidote for his fear. It lifted him and placed him by the side of God and filled his soul with peace and hope. David’s faith in God gave him courage that enabled him to face the foe. When we take hold of God’s strength, we too can handle whatever giant comes our way, including this pandemic.
Not only have we been challenged concerning what we believe, but we have now been forced to decide in whom we believe. David said, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” In whom do you trust?