Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid.
Jesus says this three times in today’s Gospel, Matthew 10:24-33.
When Jesus says things once we should listen. When He says things three times we should stop and really listen.
I have had a lot of fear this year. Fear of losing friendships was pretty high on the list. Fear about my children’s well-being is always there too. Fear I am not doing enough and not good enough. Fear about the health of my aging parents and in-laws. Fear about losing a loved one before I have all the time I want to have with her.
Some of you share these fears; others of you have different ones you could add to the list.
Our fears are very real and can be immobilizing at times, leaving us to feel like we are walking in a dreamland. It can be tempting to give into despair—to pull away, to forget the spiritual gifts we were given, to listen to the lies whispered in the darkness, to retreat into the shadows, to allow our souls to be corrupted.
Yet we are children of God. He knows the number of the hairs on our heads. If we remain in Him, and continue to live boldly for Him despite our fear, He will shine a light in the darkness.
How do we do remain in Him?
Stay obedient to His commands. Continue to strive for truth dismissing the lies we hear and acting with courage to confirm love. Read Scripture. Draw closer to Him in prayer, adding to rather than subtracting from our time in relationship with the Lord. Build good and holy friendships with people who affirm the goodness in this world. Surrender everything else to the Lord with confidence.
He is here with you always. You are not alone. Do not fear, sister, for you are known, seen, and loved.
LOVING GOD, LOVING OTHERS
A NEW WORKSHOP
COME BACK TO FIRST LOVE
