Two little words (in the KJV)

 

Oh, we’re halfway there, livin’ on a prayer!

Take my hand and we’ll make it—I swear. –Jon Bon Jovi

 

I have never counted, but “they” say the words fear not or don’t be afraid appear 365 times in the Bible, once for each day of a year. It’s the principle of this idea that I love so much.

 

All around us, there are folks trying to scare us. Many of them even claim the label Christian (but they’re not following Jesus). Using their bully pulpits, they tell us we shouldn’t trust someone who doesn’t look like them, or talk like them—or believe like they do. They proclaim a god so small (and yes, fearful) that he could be hurt by a mere human being!

 

Don’t fall for that garbage. Almighty God will never fit in their teeny tiny box!

 

In the big picture? There is nothing to be afraid of, because God is still and always in control, even when it doesn’t feel much like it. God has a much longer view of history than we can ever pretend to know. Focusing our lives around God and Jesus’ teachings of Love is what we need most right now.

 

In the small picture—you’ve got this. Do what you can. Wear that beautiful mask. Stay socially distant. And speak and live a life so filled with the Love of Christ that it silences those other voices whispering hatred and division and otherness. Peace.


Monday Read today’s verses from Exodus. Now go and be like the Israelite people. Speak up. Be faithful. Exodus 1:8-12

 

Tuesday Send a letter today to your senator or representative (or both). Learn their positions on issues. They are elected to be our voice in Congress! Psalm 124

 

Wednesday A perfect day to send a note of love or caring to someone you haven’t seen in a while. Your stamp, besides being beautiful and fun, supports the Post Office, which is vital to us all.                 Isaiah 51:1-4

 

Thursday When you go out, wear that mask—and smile behind it. Your eyes will smile, and they will know we are Christians by our joy and our Love. Psalm 138

 

Friday Look around you. Do you see the enormity of God? Rest in hope and God’s strength.      Romans 12:1-8

 

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, ask God to show where you diminish God, or limit God’s power to meet your expectations. (Now what?) Matthew 16:13-16


SundayToday, use your eyes to look beyond. Expand your mind as you praise the Lord. God is always good, and God is still speaking. . . . Matthew 16:17-20

 

The only thing we have to fear—is fear itself.

–Franklin D. Roosevelt

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