|
|
|
Today
is a special day in my youngest brother’s life.
He is fifty! So, as a part of personal privilege, let me say “Happy
birthday, Nick!” It is quite a milestone in anyone’s life. And, the more I
began to think of all the things that we have experienced together through the
years, the more I began to think of the many things God has taught me through my
brother. Perhaps I should begin at the beginning. When
we were little, Nick was always bigger and stronger than I was. Even though he is nearly four years my junior, he was bigger.
There were those times when we would be playing in the neighborhood and he would
come to my rescue. There were no bullies that I needed to be afraid of as long
as I knew he was there. I had such freedom that I ended up in more trouble that
not sometimes! But, that freedom to go anywhere and do anything was a great gift
that allowed me to experience much more of life. God provides that for us too!
Listen to David in the following Psalm: The LORD is my light and my salvation - so why should I be afraid? The
LORD protects me from danger - so why should I tremble? When evil people come to
destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they
attack me, I remain confident. The one thing I ask of the LORD - the thing I
seek most - is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will
conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will
place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high, above my
enemies who surround me. At his Tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts
of joy, singing and praising the LORD with music. (Psalm 27:1-6 NLV). When
you fear that the worst will happen, your own thoughts may help to bring it
about. “Fear,” a writer once said, “Is the wrong use of imagination. It is
anticipating the worst, not the best that can happen.” Just as in those early
days of childhood, my brother rescued me from countless encounters; he still
provides a safety net of love and protection for me. But, the ultimate
protection comes from my heavenly Father. Like David I am able to say, “The
Lord is my light and salvation, so why should I be afraid!” What are you afraid of today? Is it illness, financial uncertainty, loneliness? Let me encourage you to think on other things, positive things, things of the Lord. E. Stanley Jones wrote: “I am inwardly fashioned for faith, not for fear. Fear is not my native land; faith is. I am so made that worry and anxiety are sand in the machinery of life; faith is the oil. I live better by faith and confidence than by fear, doubt and anxiety. In anxiety and worry, my being is gasping for breath—these are not my native airs. But in faith and confidence, I breathe freely—these are my native air.” Go ahead; take a deep breath of the freedom of your Savior! |
|
