Our daughter Gianna is now 2. As a newborn, I read that the only two fears infants have are loud noises and falling. At her young age, she has a fear of some bugs, large animals, heights by herself, and other things that her parents and older siblings have trained her to be afraid of. As an “adult” in my mid-40’s, the world’s fears have taken hold of me for many years. These fears can include what I say, do, or act in front of others with underlining insecurity. Fear can make you wonder if you have enough or hold a high enough position with the constant fear of failure. The Lord’s transformation of my life started around ten years ago, even though I can point to various points in my life where I know the Lord has always been by my side. Truth is he has never left you, I just never listened or opened my eyes. Until I was willing to surrender my selfish pride and surrender to a losing battle, I found my salvatio. (salvation) Merriam-Webster has a few definitions for salvation like 1. deliverance from the power and effects of sin, 2. preservation from destruction or failure, 3. liberation from ignorance or illusion. I feel like all three of these definitions fit me well at that time with some lingering effects. But thankfully, our debt has been paid in full, and we have hope in our Lord.
Today’s verses are a couple of my favorites.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
The world is sending a message always. In these dark times, we can always look to the light. As something or someone starts your anxiety level to rise, relax, turn to God our say in your head, “Whom shall I be afraid? ” As you begin to feel weak, and the physical or mental exhaustion kicks in. Remember where your strength truly comes from. Go ahead this morning, today, at lunch, dinner. Say it to a friend, a colleague, child, your spouse. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I be afraid? The Lord is the stronghold of life; of whom shall I be afraid? Repeat it if you need to. Say it as the pressures of the world enter into your day.
Remember Gianna, still semi-fearless besides what we as parents have instilled. No fear. She would jump from anything into your arms because they trust you. I would want my children, my wife, and myself to remember this verse as the world attempts to enter fear into our minds. Where are you today? Are you worried about something? School? Kids? Finances? Health? Our Lord is right there waiting to be the light, to be your strength. To be your salvation.
The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my Father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2
Whom shall you be afraid? Sing praise today; salvation is yours.
We had been living in a rooftop apartment in Paris, undoubtably one of the most magnificent cities in the world. Still, it was good to be heading home. Past the Chicago Metro fringe, at that perfect time in the early evening when the stark contrast of the green fields under the big blue sky seemed unreal.
