Fear. It comes in many shapes and sizes, sometimes fleeting, in other moments, crippling. Personally? I fear someone I love will die unexpectedly. I fear suffering another miscarriage. I fear the state of things in our country and across the globe. Fear seems inevitable in this fallen world in which we live.
Can you hear the fear in the voices of the people after Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple? “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” (Luke 21:7) Jesus doesn’t answer their question directly. He gives them some warnings, some signs to await. In the midst of his description: “Do not be terrified.” (Luke 21:9)
Today’s Psalm is from the book of Daniel, a triumphant song of praise: “Give glory and eternal praise to him . . . praise and exult him above all forever.” (Daniel 3:57) Do you know who is singing here, and in what circumstances? It’s none other than Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. These three men have literally been bound up and thrown into a blazing fire. Even still, they raise their voices in praise to God. Astounding.
God is so good. He is so faithful, sisters. We are called to surrender our fears and be faithful to Him in return. He will preserve us, through wars and famines—including those of the mind and heart—for He wants us safely home in the Eternal Kingdom with Him. “Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life,” today’s Gospel acclamation exhorts. (Revelations 2:10) When fear creeps into our hearts and minds, when the enemy pursues us, let us respond not with despair, but with praise.
[Tweet “We are called to surrender our fears and be faithful to Him. // @inendlesssong”]God is in control—and that alone is praiseworthy. With Him we have nothing to fear. May His praise be ever on our lips.
Elise Howe is a devoted wife, momma, vocal artist and teacher. She currently resides in New York City, though she will always be a Midwestern gal at heart. Elise has a heart for ministry, dark chocolate (but not too dark) and coffee with a generous amount of cream + sugar. Find out more about her here.
I needed to hear this today especially about the “wars and famine of the mind.” I am going through some unbelievable stress and it feels like my family has abandoned me; and I have to keep remembering that God is still with me. Thank you for the post
You can do this! I’m praying for you here in AZ, you are never alone!
Praying for you! Remember you are never alone!
Yes, you are a princess of our King! Never alone. Sending you a virtual hug and praying for you.
I am going to cling on to his word today, I’ve been dealing with a lot of anxiety and fear of the unknown. Glory be to God in these tough moments
Hello! My name is Amanda Bear and you are using my picture from Unsplash and it would be great if you could give me picture credit! My Instagram is @amndabear.
Thank you Amanda, we just put your photo credit!