Therefore We Will Not Fear
There is a story dating back many years now, about a young girl who was taking her first overnight train ride with her parents. That night, the girl was a little anxious. Her mother placed her on the upper bunk of the sleeper, and while tucking her in, told her that up there, she would be nearer to God and that God would watch over her.
As the quiet of night set in, the girl became afraid and called softly, “Mommy, are you there?” “Yes dear,” came the response. A little later, in a louder voice, the child called, “Daddy, are you there, too?” “Yes dear,” was the reply. After this had been repeated several times one of the passengers sharing their sleeper car finally lost his patience and shouted loudly, “Yes, we’re all here, your father, your mother, your brother, and all your aunts and cousins; now settle down and go to sleep!”
There was a moment of silence and then, in hushed tones, a little voice asked, “Mommy, was that God?”
Most of us have experienced moments in life when we have needed to be assured of God’s presence with us. We’ve all had moments when we have feared the unknown: the diagnosis, the market, the housing situation, the future for our children. Most certainly in the midst of events like this seemly never-ending pandemic, we’ve needed to be reminded that God is sovereign.
Palm 46 is one of my favorites. There we read:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea… God is in the midst of the city, it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns… The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Our prayer today has also been handed down to us across the centuries. It was written by Saint Augustine in the early 400s. Let us pray: O loving God, to turn away from you is to fall, to turn toward you is to rise, and to stand before you is to abide forever. Grant us, dear God, in all our duties your help; in all our uncertainties your guidance; in all our dangers your protection; and in all our sorrows your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
