Fear Not

“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 10:26-33

"Don't be scared!" They used to shout it as a group in the daycare I worked in during college. It was a line from a book, repeated throughout the story that the kids loved so much. It is easy to say but much harder to do. As we grow up, we learn that there is much that can destroy our happiness, and there are many people who seek to do us harm. It is much easier to be fearful than to let fear go. Easy to scream while the book is being read, harder to live day by day.

Jesus is training up his disciples, teaching them how to navigate the complexities of their lives. They have had much success in reaching people, healing the sick and following their teacher. But there is so much more ahead, and the daily challenges and threats will wear them down. Just as the daily threats, small and large can wear us down. Jesus reminds them that they are more valuable by far than the sparrows, treasured by God, and cared for in every moment. We can set aside fear for God is guiding our every step and walking with us in every moment. We are invited by our Creator today to grasp how loved we are and to live without fear because of the power of love.

Today I ask God to help me be bold and to live without fear. May the challenges of the day not be stumbling blocks for us and may we turn everything over to God who is infinitely more than our fears. May we live like sparrows, trusting that God's hand is on us in every moment, shielding us from the terror that could bind us today.