Scripture: Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone? The LORD is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything?
Thought for the Day: Are these rhetorical questions? Yes, and No. They are rhetorical because everyone knows, in theory, that we have nothing to fear. At the same time, everyone who knows they should not fear still has fear. I have witnessed times when the best intended Christian made someone feel like a failure in faith because the individual felt afraid. “If you just trust in the Lord, then…” I am always suspicious of the word “just” when it is used in the context of faith, except when it is used as a call to live a just life. 1st John reminds us that perfect love casts out all fear, and though I believe that fully, the recognition and embracing of God’s perfect love is a life-long journey. We may go a period of time thinking we have achieved full acceptance and integration of God’s unconditional love, and then one day, something happens that calls it all into question. Suddenly our mortality, value as a human being, ability to pay the rent next month, confidence in taking a necessary step, etc. stir feelings of anxiety, fear or even terror. And then someone whose life appears to be something off a Hallmark Greeting Card says to us, “If you just trust in the Lord, then…” In those moments, it’s ok to tell the person what they can do with their kind but unhelpful thought. I don’t pretend to offer some grand answer to the presence of fear in our lives, but I feel pretty confident that God’s love for us does not diminish when fear appears. In fact, I imagine those are the times when God is doubling down in the work of communicating how we are not alone even when the darkness of fear suggests otherwise.
Prayer: My faith declares your presence, Mighty God, even when fear keeps on telling me that I must face life alone. Jesus is my witness to your everlasting and unconditional love, even when fear says I have nothing foundational on which to stand. Continue to remind me of your loving presence, and then when you are done reminding me, please do it again. Thank you! Amen.
