Listen

The Lord is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone?

The Lord is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything?

Psalm 27:1

Think

What makes you feel safe? Is it a song you learned as a child that you hum in times of trouble? Is it something physical; a touchstone you can hold that calms you down? Is it a person whose very presence makes you feel strong, like you can take anything on?

No matter how much we may not like it, fear is a part of life. We all have ways that we cope with the fear. And God wants to be your ultimate coping mechanism! In fact, the thing that is said the most in the Bible is “be not afraid” or “do not fear.” God wants to be the one you turn to in order to feel safe; God wants to calm your fears; God wants to be your ultimate protector, holding and sheltering you in the depths of God’s love.

What would it look like for you to turn to God with your fears today? Maybe it begins with this prayer…

Elizabeth Cervasio

Pray

God, when I read the news, when I look at the world, even in my daily life, I cannot help being flooded with fear.

Draw me near and protect me.

Help me to remember you are my stronghold and will always keep me safe.

Amen.

Go

A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord;
he taketh my burden away.
He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved;
he giveth me strength as my day.

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
that shadows a dry, thirsty land.
He hideth my life in the depths of his love,
and covers me there with his hand,
and covers me there with his hand.

Fanny Crosby in “He Hideth My Soul” (1890)