Pause

Our world appears to thrive and profit from our fear —

fear of those different from us,

fear of insignificance and isolation,

fear that our secret shames might come to light.

Could there be another way to live?

Is it possible to fear less?

Listen

See to it that nobody enslaves you with philosophy and foolish deception, which conform to human traditions and the way the world thinks and acts rather than Christ. All the fullness of deity lives in Christ’s body. And you have been filled by him, who is the head of every ruler and authority.

Colossians 2:8–10

Think

In order to fear less, we still have to watch out for danger. Verse 8 offers a strong warning against lies that could take us captive. Both human traditions and worldly habits can distract us from Christ. Risks are found both inside and outside the church, and if we’re unaware we can even become enslaved. But there’s hope!

The fullness of God lives within Jesus’s body. The God who created the universe and sustains it moment by moment lives within the human flesh, the bones, and the blood of a particular person from Nazareth! And this same God wants to live within you! The divine nature permeated every cell and molecule of Jesus, and now Jesus fills those who trust in him. This divine Jesus rules as Lord over every human ruler and institution, so those whom he dwells within have nothing to fear.

Joshua Hays

Pray

Jesus, you are the fullest expression of God with us, God for us. Thank you for filling me with your life. Help me to live without fear because you are Lord of all.

Go

May you go to face the day free from fear, rooted and established in the love of Christ and empowered by the Creator’s good gift of the Holy Spirit.

May love and truth meet in your thoughts, words, and actions this day.

Amen.