fear

I have been thinking about the pain that the people of this world have to endure. Our lives are a lot about loss…loss of trust; loss of life; loss of church; loss of spouse; loss of child; loss of a parent; loss of respect; loss of home; loss of friends; loss of freedom; loss of wealth; loss of a way of life….

I have found some of the most reassuring scripture in the oddest place (to me)…Revelation. When I was younger, I thought of Revelation to be scary…telling of times that I did not want to happen. Now, I’m thinking “Wow, we know what is going to happen! God is in control.”

These are some of the most beautiful words I have read lately:

“Don’t fear: I am First, I am Last, I’m Alive. I died, but I came to Life and my life is now forever. See these keys in my hand? They open and lock Death’s doors, they open and lock Hell’s gates.” (Rev. 1:17)

“Fear nothing in the things you’re about to suffer….Don’t quit, even if it costs you your life. Stay there believing.” (Rev. 2:10)

“Because you kept my Word in passionate patience, I’ll keep you safe in the time of testing….” (Rev. 3:10)

"Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They're his people, he's their God. He'll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone." The Enthroned continued, "Look! I'm making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate. Then he said, "It's happened. I'm A to Z. I'm the Beginning, I'm the Conclusion. From Water-of-Life Well I give freely to the thirsty.” (Rev. 21:3-6)

What do I have to fear? I know the One who holds my future, and the future of the universe, in his hands. He’s moved into my neighborhood…He’s right here beside me…He loves me more than I have ever been loved.

Lord, help me to put aside my fear, focus on you, and do the work you have put before me,

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