Fear Not!

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! 

The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart....Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward." - Psalm 19:8 and 11. 

Almost every time an angel appears to someone in the Bible, they always begin with the words "Fear Not!" This morning, I was reminded of our upcoming advent theme this year of not being afraid when reading words by the reformer Martin Luther from his biographer Roland Bainton. According to Bainton Luther adapted these words from Psalm 96 during a year of hiding from his enemies in what must have been a time of deep sadness and depression at fleeing governmental and ecclesiastical rulers who had the power to exile him or even put him to death for his standing on the Word of God. 

(Here I Stand by Roland Bainton published by Abingdon-Cokesbury in 1950). 

And though this world, with devils filled,

Should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God has willed

His truth to triumph through us.

The prince of darkness grim,

We tremble not for him-

His rage we can endure,

For lo! His doom is sure:

One little word shall fell him.

-Eine Feste Burg by Martin Luther, translated by Frederic Henry Hedge in 1852. 

How often those that we think of having the greatest faith suffered depression and sadness. From David to Jeremiah to Esther to Ruth St. Paul to Martin Luther to modern saints like George Muller of Bristol or Mother Theresa, even those with what seems like the strongest faith had difficult days and had to be reminded to lean on God. May we remember the "peace that passeth all understanding" even on those days it is most difficult! May God restore to us joy when we need it most!

Prayer:

Create in me a clean heart O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation 

and uphold me with a willing spirit.

-Psalm 51:10 and 12

Brent Shaw