The presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor and not a resident. Max Lucado
Meditation: Martin Luther said it similarly: “You cannot keep the birds (of sorrow) from flying over your head but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair”. How can we do that?
We can reach out to others and encourage each other. We can go out into nature and let her comfort us. We can listen or read uplifting thoughts from the Bible or other inspiring texts or authors. As we become creative, maybe write, draw or make music, the birds of sorrow will have no place to land. We can surround ourselves with peaceful music, positive voices and encouraging, loving family members, friends and neighbors (even only over the phone or via skype).
Fear will come. Fear will try to grip our hearts and minds. Fear cannot be avoided. And yet, we have many antidotes that keeps fear from settling in for good.
Prayer: Loving God, we are fearful for our loved ones, for all who are vulnerable, for ourselves. Let this fear visit us for short moments, and then come with your Healing Spirit that drives out all fear. You are the Spirit of love, of creativity and comfort. Help us stay connected and not become isolated in this time of forced social isolation.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2. Timothy 1:7
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