FUD: The Three Paralyzing Enemies in Life

FUD Ahead but only if you accept the lies.

There are many references to doubt in the scriptures. Doubt is magnified by two close compatriots: fear and uncertainty. What we really need in our lives is certainty spoken by and ruled by a sovereign God who is good. Doubts can seek to penetrate our minds and bring us to a standstill. Fear magnifies our doubts. And, of course, uncertainty is the reality of life. But there are certainties and there are truths that can remove all fear and doubt.

There is an acronym that pairs these enemies of our thinking together: FUD. Fear, uncertainty, and doubt are three of Satan’s propaganda tactics. “FUD is generally a strategy to influence perception by disseminating negative and dubious or false information and a manifestation of the appeal to fear.” Source: Wikipedia

Where Does FUD Begin and Reign?

Alistair Begg, in his “Truth for Life Daily” devotional reminds us that we are all receiving messages from just about everywhere. “Everyone, every book, every social-media feed is trying to tell us precisely what will make us happier and more fulfilled. Hopefully, some of the input into our lives is godly and biblical. If we’re honest, though, some of it we could probably go without.” – Alistair Begg, January 19, 2023

FUD reigns when we accept ideas and counsel that run counter to the truth. Jesus gave Thomas the antidote to doubt. The antidote is to examine the evidence and then believe what God says and what God has done and will do. Here is the turning point in the life of Thomas: “Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” John 20:26-28

Removing Doubt

The Psalmist had this to say: “I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.” Psalm 16:7 As Alistair Begg encourages, “…what if, instead of soundbites and social media, we could go straight to the fount of inexhaustible wisdom? What if we could receive counsel from the one who Himself needs no counsel?” If we did this, doubt and its companions uncertainty and fear, the FUD trio would flee.

How to Identify a Follower of Jesus

Psalm 56:11 “in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Five Minute Friday

This post is part of the weekly Five-Minute Friday link-up.

All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.