Saturday, August 20, 2022

Dear God,

How do we rid ourselves of fear?  Fear of dying, failing, losing, falling and more?  How do we take power away from fear?

Jesus said, "Do not be afraid."  While that challenge is powerful, still we are often left shaking in our boots.  But if we stop and listen to those words again, we discover there is something even more powerful than fear.  Love.  Jesus' words of love far outweigh the power of fear for love overcomes fear.

I remember being terrified of dying with breast cancer when I was diagnosed in 1997.  I could hardly breathe.  My mind was filled with darkness and fear.  But in the midst of it, there was an invitation to draw near, to be unafraid.  I remember the vision of walking into a room where the doorknob was only on one side.  I knew once I opened the door and stepped inside, I could not return.  Yet, I was compelled to open the door and move one step.  When I heard the door close, I was so afraid but as I got accustomed to the darkness, I knew your presence was dwelling there.  I suddenly was filled with you, your love and your comfort.  Within minutes I was in total peace at which time you showed me the way to your light.

Holy God,

you are

the answer

to our

every fear.

You draw us close.

You invite us in.

You comfort us.

You take us

to your light.

Your light

frees us.

Thank you.

Love, Andrea