One-Minute Meditation
We live in times in which numerous events and situations are occurring which could and sometimes do elicit fear as a response. Everyone is aware of the threats of terrorism, domestic or foreign, “new” diseases, such as SARS or avian flu, and an uncertain economic climate. Crime and violence seem to be widespread, in spite of reassurances that the frequency of most types of crimes has decreased over the past few years. Yet one of the most commonly occurring phrases in the Bible is the admonition, “Do not fear,” in one of its forms, such as “Fear not,” or “Do not be afraid.” I am told by friends who study such things that this phrase occurs 365 times in the Bible, one for each day of the year. I suppose that means that we are allowed to fear on February 29, every leap year.
Seriously, though, I know that we cannot take fear lightly or easily dismiss the effect that fear has on our lives, including affecting many of the important decisions we make. It is easy for me to say, “Don’t be afraid,” but it is not so easy to ignore the threats to our happiness and well-being that seem so apparent in the world. I do not believe that God takes fear lightly, either. I do not believe that God tells us simply not to fear because God says so. I think that God calls us to remember God’s gracious acts of rescue throughout history and in our own lives. When we remember how God has seen us through hard times in our past, it gives us faith for today and hope for tomorrow. We come to understand that God wants not merely what is good for us, but the best for us. In the midst of fearful circumstances, God can give us a peace that only God can give—the peace which passes human understanding. I hope that you have found that peace. If not, I pray that you will seek the peace which God freely offers to all who will receive it. The people of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church invite you to come and see what God’s love has done and is doing for us, with us, and through us.
