PENTECOST
August 2, 2020
“I am With You, I am Your God” “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
There’s no escaping it — the news overwhelms us, surrounds us, and batters away at us every day, all day, with hardly a moment to catch our breath. Whether you pick up a newspaper, check online services, or watch a TV broadcast, you’re seeing and hearing a lot of news, and not much of it sounds good. If we’re weary and worn, there’s a good reason — we’re carrying heavy burdens in our hearts and minds.
Most people are reluctant to admit they are afraid, whether of one thing in particular or a number of things in general. The way we express ourselves tells how reluctant we are to talk about fear. We might “be very concerned,” or “feel a little anxious,” or be “hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.” But to just say we’re afraid? That’s pretty hard to do. If your child wakes up crying in the night from a bad dream, you’re the one who gives comfort and makes the scariness go away. So where do we turn when we get bad news, or forces beyond our control threaten that which we hold dear?
Many of us aren’t sure we “do” prayer very well, but that’s not a requirement. God knows what is in our hearts, and what goes through our minds in times of fear and sorrow. Paul wrote to the Romans, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.” (8:26) Our heavenly Father doesn’t demand a certain kind of prayer, simply that we turn to him for love and understanding.
The great blessing is that we aren’t alone as we experience grief and pain. God sends help in many ways, whether it’s a friend, a neighbor or a family member who is there to listen or just be quiet together. At times we’re angry with God, unable to understand why the forces of evil seem so strong in this world. Other times we’re paralyzed with fear, unable to think, helpless to act. But then we look around, and we see the many helpers beside us. They often don’t even realize they’re doing a “godly thing” but they are, and they make a difference.
God’s comforting words, ”fear not, for I am with you” become very real when we are strengthened through the love and care of others, and we find the peace that only God can give. To “fear not” is a state of mind and spirit we may not be able to constantly achieve and maintain, but it’s not all up to us. God’s abundant love and endless grace are continuously poured out upon us, and will give us courage and confidence to share the Good News with a fearful world.
Forever grateful for the Father’s faithfulness,
Your Friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers