NIMBY is an acronym for the phrase “Not In My Back Yard.” It describes opposition by residents to a proposal for a new development close to them; opposing residents themselves are sometimes called “Nimbies.”
And now in local news: The Refuge, a ministry committed to the spiritual rescue and rehabilitation of broken men, has been graciously given a farm at the edge of Lancaster. Like an ancient monastery, The Refuge provides a safe place for these broken individuals to discover the love of God and His renewed purpose for their lives. The success rate of this ministry is unprecedented, resulting in zero negative fallout and only positive impact upon the communities in which it coexists. However, to an uninformed neighbor, the news that “another drug rehab center” may be moving in next door can be very disconcerting!
The stigma that has accompanied neighborhood half-way houses and rehab centers across the nation has come into play in this situation and concerned citizens, unaware of The Refuges’ incredible success, are all Nimbied-up over The Refuge’s newest acquisition here in Lancaster. The polarizing fear of declining property values and personal safety are understandable concerns for those unaware of The Refuge’s true mission.
I believe the best antidote for fear is not additional information, promises or statistics. Once fear has been birthed, a trust is broken that causes fearful people to process any new or additional information as “spin.” The Bible teaches there is only one antidote for fear: “Well-formed love banishes fear” (I John 4:18). This type of godly love that displaces fear is only available through the power of the Holy Spirit as He touches the heart of a fearful person, replacing fear with His peace.
In the case of “Fearful Residents vs. The Refuge,” our prayers for their peace and wellbeing are the best way to ensure the Refuge is in our backyard. Our deferential prayers toward these good people are more powerful than any amount of information, demonstration, or protest. I believe the Lord is just as concerned about the wellbeing of the neighbors as He is the Refuge. Please pray with me that the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts of those good people. Wouldn’t it be incredible to see the peace of the Holy Spirit fall on those fearful hearts?
Gilda Radner used to play a character named Emily Litella, who peered through reading glasses and, in a high-pitched, warbly voice, read a prepared statement in opposition to an editorial that the TV station had supposedly broadcast. Litella became increasingly agitated as her statement progressed. But midway in her commentary, it became apparent that she had misheard and/or misunderstood the subject of the editorial to which she was responding. How great would it be to these neighbors say, like Emily Litella, “Oh, never mind!”
The same is so true in our own lives, isn’t it? We all have fear buttons. Touch that area and we can go off like Emily Litella. Instead, why not ask the Holy Spirit to pour His love into your heart? Whenever you become anxious, fearful or frustrated about even legitimate concerns, open your heart to the Holy Spirit’s love and experience the only antidote for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear.
Lord, help me to not take myself so seriously. Give me the courage to fight fear when I can’t figure how things are going to work out. Give me the faith to trust You, to realize that you are my Provider and Protector. Amen.
Read 1 John 4:18 “There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life–fear of death, fear of judgment–is one not yet fully formed in love.” The Message
- Think of a time you feared something and your fears proved unfounded.
- Do you agree that fear can be disabling?
- Can you think of time when fear got in the way?
- What do you think of when the Scripture describes “well-formed love” or “perfect love”?
- Consider what it means to be “fully formed in love.”
Read Luke 1:50 “His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.”
- What is the difference between fear that disables and a healthy fear of God??
- What quality or gift does God extend to us if we properly fear him?
- Why is fear of the unknown a breach of trust in God?
- What in this simple verse confirms that we can trust our Lord?
Read Philippians 4:12 “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
- In this verse, what is the secret to “not becoming fearful”?
- What causes you to become fearful?
- Fear and frustration are brothers. Is your weakness the fact you are easily frustrated?
- Is it possible that “being frustrated” is the same problem as unhealthy fear?
Read Hebrews 13:5 “Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, ‘I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you.’”
- Whether you are a frustrated person or a fearful person, can you see that both reveal a lack of faith in God to provide?
- In this verse, is having material things the real problem?
- When do material things become a problem for us?
- What is the antidote for obsessing over material things?
- What promise can we adopt from this verse to come against our fears and frustrations?
Lord, I confess I often become fearful or frustrated when people and things don’t go my way. Forgive me for being small- minded and grant me strength to trust You completely. Thank You that, because of You, I can be a contented, courageous person. Amen.