Staying in today, fear. That is what I read. Just fear.

Out and about today – fear. That is what I see. Just fear.

With all that has happened in the past week, the fear has only gotten thicker.

I live in a relatively smallish town. It isn’t crime-less, but it is more quiet than some heavily urban areas.

News, radio, social media – all screaming fear.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that I am not afraid.

I know what my eyes see. I know what my brain tells me.

I hear it all around – Be afraid, be very afraid.

But I also know what my heart tells me after years of training it with the word. What does my heart tell me?

It tells men that no matter what I may see, God is still God. He is still sovereign. He is still in control.

I must believe that He is allowing some things so that we will notice.

Notice how well we have it. Notice that many still need our help, our understanding, and our compassion.

Notice how much we take for granted; as in our families, jobs, and here in America, our freedoms.

Notice that we cannot really do it without Him.

This life has some hard knocks, and we really need to depend on Him to be at peace regardless.

In Proverbs 3:6-8 (ESV) It says “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

My bones can use some refreshing. How about yours?

Isaiah 35:3-5 (ESV) Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.

I could do without the anxiety. You too?

Do you see those words? He will come and save you. I truly believe those words. In my heart.

John 14:26-27 (ESV) But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

All this I say as an encouragement to you.

All this being said, I confess, I need to learn more.

More about the fear that lives in the hearts of my friends who are people of color.

It’s not something we talk about. Until now.

All this mess; is it bringing up things that we need to be seeing? I think so.

I still say, we need to seek His face, no mater our skin tone, and ask Him to help us to love each other, and teach us how to “Fear not”.

We can “Be angry and sin not.” Ephesians 4:26a

Be careful. Be safe. Be at peace.

Until next time …