Do Not Fear
People tend to bridle at the oft-repeated biblical injunction to ‘fear God.’
In the days leading up to the start of school I had several conversations with my son Sam and all of them started the same: “Mom, I’m scared to start first grade.”
When angels appear to people in scripture the first thing they say is, “Do not be afraid!” And that’s what I need to hear today, on the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels.
Howard Thurman writes, “In the stillness of the quiet, if we listen, we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness, courage to fear, hope to despair.”
This morning in devotions, I saw myself in Peter. I didn’t reflect Pentecost evangelical Peter or stepping out of the boat Peter, but anxiety ridden at the cross Peter. Peter, how I wish I related to one of your more shining moments.
Anyone who visits our house might guess at why we love Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his love of animals.
Feeling more fear than courage? Miriam reflects on loss, depression, and accepting God’s repeated invitation to be not afraid.
What follows this verse in Philippians is a reminder that if we follow the practices mentioned in this chapter, the God of peace will be with us.
If we are to stand against evil, St. Paul says, we must clothe ourselves in the full armor of God.