Scripture:

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Thought for the day:

We live in a scary world! The political landscape of America is harsh, the economy is fragile, health issues demand attention, unsettling violence is saturating our communities, and the instability of relationships are only a few of the fear-filling scenarios in our lives.

Year ago, there was a VBS curriculum boldly stating that when life gets us down (it sounds so simple to say): “FEAR NOT - God is with us!” When we feel so alone that we question whether God even hears us - it sounds quaint to recall: “FEAR NOT - God does what he says He’ll do!” If tragedy strikes too close to home, there is often cause to wonder if God is as powerful as we believe Him to be and to say: “FEAR NOT - God cares for us” doesn’t always seem to “cut it.”

And yet, as simplistic as it sounds, we truly have nothing to fear when we place our trust in God. I have watched kids jump without hesitation from heights twice their own when a parent was below promising to catch them. Such trust is born out of an assurance of a parent’s love through the little things in life. We can trust God’s love in the big things only after we begin to give witness to God’s faithfulness in the little things like: giving thanks for a new day, a beautiful flower, a kind word offered by another, or a good test result.

It is realizing that God is faithful in the small stuff that allow us to FEAR NOT when the “bigger and badder” things such as a lost job, a poor check-up, a broken relationship or a personal tragedy, come our way.

Work to always see and praise God in the small stuff so that if and when something difficult does come your way, you will, like the saints of scripture, FEAR NOT.

Prayer for the day:

Dear Lord, I long to trust You, because when I do, fear is banished. Thank You for allowing me to experience Your steadfast love as it constantly leads me to closer relationship of trust in You. Amen.