Pastor Keren Swilley begins a new sermon series on being the light in the darkness and focusing on the Lord and his word over the fear that the world tries to teach.
Matthew 5:14-15 (New Living Translation)
You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.
Psalm 139:23-24 (New Living Translation)
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts…Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Chapman University Survey of American Fears for 2026
Corrupt Government Officials (69.1%)
People I Love Becoming Seriously Ill (58.9%)
Economic / Financial Collapse (58.2%)
Cyber-Terrorism (55.9%)
People I Love Dying (55.3%)
U.S. Becoming Involved in Another World War (55.3%)
Pollution of Drinking Water (54.5%)
Russia Using Nuclear Weapons (53.7%)
Pollution of Oceans, Rivers, and Lakes (52.2%)
Government Tracking of Personal Data (52.7%)
Notable Trends in 2026 Data
– The “Floor” on Fear: In previous decades, only one or two items ever cleared the 50% threshold.
– Resource Scarcity Over Abstraction: Abstract fears regarding global climate change have largely been replaced by immediate, physical resource concerns—specifically the pollution of drinking water.
– Tech and War: Fears of global conflicts, nuclear weapons, cyber-terrorism, and advanced artificial intelligence replacing the workforce (which narrowly missed the top 10 at 49.2%) have skyrocketed.
Proverbs 4:20-23 (New Living Translation)
My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Principle: God’s Word always sets us up to be in a position of power- even in trials, storms, and loss.
Principle: God equips us and commands us to be courageous when things get hard.
Deutoronomy 31:6-9 (New Living Translation)
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched, he said to him, “Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the Lords swore to their ancestors he would give them. You are the one who will divide it among them as their grants of land. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go
ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.
Joshua 1:6-9 (New Living Translation)
Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Hard truth: Fear’s job is to infiltrate your mind, attach to your thoughts and leach you of your faith.
God’s Answers
– Hebrews 13:5 I will never leave you or forsake you…
– Philippians 4:19 My God will supply all your needs…
– Matthew 6:33 Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.
-Psalm 37:5 I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their seed begging for bread.
-Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord plans to prosper you not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
– Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
-John 10:10 A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.
– Psalm 103:2-5 Let all that I am praise the Lord, may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
– Luke 4:18 Jesus said…the Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He’s has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.
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