Fear Not

 There is a popular belief that the Bible has 365 sayings of "fear not" or " do not fear", or " be not afraid". Although this is not true literally, it is clear that God does not want us to be fearful, but to trust Him. This is easier said than done. 

How often have we witnessed or experienced something that we can make no sense of; a young person dying, horrific suffering, or a child being mistreated?  Many wonder why would a loving God allow this to happen if He is all powerful. I don't have an answer that will satisfy many, but I do know this. God says in Isaiah 55:8-9  

" For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways , my ways declares the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts".

When one is  higher, one has a bigger picture of things. Although we do not understand the big picture and it may feel unfair and unjust, we have this word from God. For this reason, I am able to trust God. This is not to say I don't struggle with it at times, but when I do struggle , I return to this verse.  

Our Father

When asked by the disciples how to pray, Jesus gave us the blueprint.. During the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6: 9-13 and again in Luke 11:2-4. He begins with "Our Father", not my father but immediately uniting all of us Christians as God's children. He is including us with Him in this prayer as we look to the Father. Jesus was called the "Son of God". Although not equating ourselves with Jesus, we too are sons and daughters of God. "But as many as received Him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name". John1:12.Perhaps going forward when you pray the Our Father you will think about the fact that you are united with Christians around the world and all those who came before you. This is a strong link that unites us all.