So, today I'm thinking about fear--mostly because one of my monthly cable TV interviews for the office is working in Niger, and she's afraid to go on-air given everything that's going on in the world this week. (Little does she know what a piddly small production this is!)
There is a lot of coverage for militant religious acts in the press now especially, but our reality as Christians is that this impression of defiant courage is really a reaction to fear.
If we take a step back from the bluster and threat of people we fear, we can hear what Isaiah 51 says. "Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings that are but grass, that you forget the Lord your Maker (and Redeemer!), who stretches out the heavens and lays the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction? Where is the wrath of the oppressor?"
God says that this bluster and threat is so inconsequential, he can't even find it! (Where is that now...?)
We know that God loves his creation, and that we, who have taken refuge in Jesus, are saved through his death.
I love Psalm 91:1-4. "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge."
A bed filled with the warm downy feathers of God's peace....Ahhh.
Give Sarah courage when life brings her fearful situations. Help her, like Jesus, not to flinch, but to forge ahead with joy in your love. Amen.
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