Fear Has an Algorithm
But God is the First and the Last
The World Feeds Fear, but God Gives Life
It’s hard to scroll through the news or social media without feeling like the world is unraveling. Plane crashes, wars, disasters—fear is everywhere. And if you’ve felt that sinking feeling, like the world is out of control, you’re not alone.
The enemy wants you afraid.
Fear is a tool. It spreads fast. It sells. It’s built into the algorithms of social media, shaping what you see, what you think about, and how you feel. The world has learned to profit from your fear.
But fear is not your inheritance.
The Fear of Flying
I don’t know what your social media feed looks like, but mine has been flooded with reports of every plane crash. If a plane crashes in Antarctica, it gets publicized. The constant headlines, clickbait, and algorithm-driven content are designed to make us afraid (You probably clicked on this article just from the picture).
The enemy wants fear planted in our hearts. He thrives on distraction and destruction. And if we’re quick to click, react, and let fear shape our reality, he will keep pressing in.
Still, we must read between the lines. The airline industry is too massive for every pilot, engineer, and airline executive to become careless. Planes are still safe. But fear doesn’t operate on logic—it feeds on emotion.
The recent wave of plane crash news reminded me of a deeper truth: fear thrives when we believe we are vulnerable, alone, and powerless.
But God tells us a different story.
Who Is Like Our God?
Isaiah 44:6-8 speaks to a nation surrounded by false gods, human-made idols, and powerful kingdoms that seemed unstoppable. Israel felt small, vulnerable, and at risk. However in their fear, God steps in and declares:
“I am the First and I am the Last; And there is no God besides Me.”
This truth shatters fear.
God is First, meaning nothing comes before Him—not war, not tragedy, not the enemy’s schemes.
God is Last, meaning He has the final say—fear doesn’t get the last word, God does.
God is the Only Rock, meaning He is unshakable and secure when everything else collapses.
God reminded Israel that He had already declared the future. He had already spoken victory. And He tells us the same thing today.
Never-Finished Challenge—How We Can Apply This Today
1. Recognize Fear’s Source
Fear isn’t just an emotion; it’s a spiritual battle. The world and the enemy use fear to control, but God tells us:
“Do not tremble nor be afraid” (Isaiah 44:8).
If fear is controlling you, ask yourself: Where is this coming from? Who benefits from my fear?
2. Remember Who God Is
When fear rises, shift your focus. The world shouts about chaos, but God has never been surprised. He is still the First and the Last.
“I am the Lord, and there is no other; besides Me, there is no God” (Isaiah 45:5).
3. Rewire Your Mindset
Instead of feeding on the world’s fear-driven algorithm, renew your mind with the truth of Scripture. What you consume shapes what you believe.
Dr. Caroline Leaf, a Christian neuroscientist, says it takes 63 days of deliberate, daily practice to rewire your brain. That might seem like a long time, but just 140 years ago, scientists didn’t even believe it was possible.
Transformation takes time, but God’s truth rewires us for confidence, not fear.
4. Be a Witness
God tells Israel:
“You are My witnesses” (Isaiah 44:8).
Your confidence in God is a testimony to the world. When you walk without fear, people will notice. Fearful people follow the loudest voice. Confident people follow the only true God.
Fear Won’t Stop Coming—But You Can Stop Listening
The world will keep feeding fear. The news cycle will keep running. But every time fear creeps in, ask yourself:
What is my source of truth?
Who am I listening to?
Do I believe God is the First and the Last in this moment?
The enemy wants you to think fear is inevitable. But Jesus says:
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”
(Luke 12:32)
Today, choose confidence in the One who has already written the end of the story.
What Does Today Say About God?
He is Sovereign. He is not bound by time, surprised by events, or scrambling for control.
He is in complete authority, not in a way that dominates or isolates, but like a Shepherd who protects, a Father who provides, and a King who rules in justice.
He gives hope to the hopeless and life to the lifeless.
He is the First.
He is the Last.
He is God.
Thank you, Jesus.