When we find ourselves in bad situations, we ought to remember that the Lord has already delivered us from sin,
death, and everlasting condemnation. St Paul would remind us, For the wages of sin is death, but the free
gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23 While
John teaches in 1 John 1:9 If we confess
our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from
all unrighteousness.
There are times when fear challenges faith. Numerous places in Scripture
set fear against faith, love, and trust, so we must frankly admit that the
fears we’ve talked about must (rightly) push us to examine our faith. This is
God’s world. It is deeply flawed and broken, but it is still His good creation
(Psalm 24). He has provided for the salvation of the world through Jesus
Christ, and He has promised—and we know it is true—that through Christ we find
forgiveness, peace, and joy; that one day the curse over this broken world will
be lifted at the final return of Christ; and that God will raise the dead in
Christ and create a new heaven and new earth, where there is no more mourning
or crying or pain (Revelation 21:1-4).
Christ stands ready to defend us throughout our lives. To follow Christ is to be a people of hope.
And our hope is not in vain, because it is invested in the God of the universe,
who has extended Himself lavishly on behalf of His children. He can aid us in
conquering our fears. “Be of good cheer,”
our Lord said, just before his own horrific death on our behalf, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Collect for Psalm 18 – Lord
God, our stronghold and our salvation, give us such strength of life that we
may reach out to our neighbor without counting the cost, for the sake of your
Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and by the Church, Vol. II American
Lutheran Publicity Bureau © 1995 Delhi, NY
Christ the Door
copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
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