Fear or Faith

I'd stopped listening to the news. As a friend said about the local network's way of covering the day's events, "if it bleeds, it leads." Hearing all of the bad news night after night made me want to lock my doors and never step outside again.

Amidst the sound bites and media blasts of all that is wrong with the world, it is easy to have a cowering attitude. But that is not the way Christ calls us to be. We are not to be ostriches burying our heads in the sand, nor cloister with other Christians safely in our pews. We need to see the problems of the world through the eyes of bold faith and then ask, "How can I help?"

Faith vanishes fear. Faith empowers us because we know God is in control and He will, as it states in Romans, work things out for the good for those who believe (Romans 8:28). Our relationship with God determines our view of the world. The author of the letter to the Hebrews stated, God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (13:5-6). We must not let the troubles of the world paralyze his healing power and peace in out lives.

Holy Father God, dispel the power of fear's grip, which can immobilize us from being your hands and feet. Instead, instill in us a steadfast faith. Teach us to discern how we can help to bring truth and love to a hurting world. Remind us daily that you are in control so we need not fear or be anxious about what is happening around us. We pray this through your Son, Jesus, who told us to fear not but to seek your righteousness. Amen.

Today's Challenge: Write out Romans 8:28 and Hebrews 13:5-6 and keep them close by. The next time fear tries to grab your heart, pray these verses out loud.