Pastor’s Notes-Fear

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”            Isaiah 43:1

What does it mean “do not fear?” One definition of fear is: an unpleasant feeling of anxiety or apprehension caused by the presence or anticipation of danger (Encarta Dictionary) It is so easy to tell a child “do not be afraid of…(the dark, the boogey man under the bed, the loud thunderstorms, etc.” because as adults we understand that there is nothing to fear.

It is easy not to fear that which we understand. It is much harder not to fear when we can’t see, taste, touch, smell, or hear what it is we are fearful of. The COVID-19 virus is just that. It seemed a long way away in China. Now it is here in our Country, State, County, and town but we still may not know someone personally who has the coronavirus. Being afraid of COVID-19 will not help us. Being smart and following what the Health experts tell us to do will help us.

What do you do to help relief your fear or anxiety? For me that involves turning off the TV or social media and finding a quiet place to read devotions, the Bible and spend time in meditation and prayer. I also turn to music as a way to calm my soul whether it is singing or playing the guitar. One song that comes to mind is “Have No Fear, Little Flock”

      Have no fear, little flock; have no fear, little flock,

      for the Father has chosen to give you the kingdom;

      have no fear, little flock!

Text: Luke 12:32, st. 1; Marjorie Jilson, b. 1931, sts. 2-4

Text © 1973 Concordia Publishing House

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