In the wake of the storms in the gulf and the tragedy represented by today’s date, I believe that it’s fitting to share something the Lord is trying to tell all of us.
You reflect what (who) you fear
This is a simple tagline that reflects my current battle preparing for the race and the struggle that many of the recent and past tragedies in this country have left others in. There are a number of things that are battling for attention and fear. I can only imagine the pain and suffering that many are facing throughout the country as a result of the storms, the 9/11 attacks, and many other horrific events that have occurred in this nation. Many people have lost so much through them. One thing I notice the most about these events and the state that they leave people in is that hope seems to be diminished. There’s a lack of trust and an uncertainty for the future. The foundation of joy and peace for many are shaken and there seems to be no way to recover. This is true just as much for Christians as it is for those who don’t know Jesus. Whatever side of that coin you find yourself in, I believe there is one true answer to finding peace and joy again, whether tragedy stuck you 10 years ago or it’s happening as you read this.
Fear in the Bible very often has one of two meanings: 1) being afraid of something or someone because of the threat of harm and the presence of danger and 2) reverent awe and adoration for something or someone.These two meanings often work side by side as we focus on certain things with the majority of our attention for the majority of our time. For instance, many people fear the danger of a Great White Shark but also become huge fanatics of them during Shark Week, watching hours of television about them. They may even begin to annoy others because all they talk about or post about is sharks. News about shark attacks. Discussing research conducted about how many teeth sharks have. This is where the reflection of that fear becomes reality. In essence, we can allow ourselves to be so consumed by one thing or the other that it begins to be emulated in our actions, thoughts, and words.
While these storms and 9/11 are no joke and the devastation they leave behind causes real pain and damage, there is someone to focus on that will ultimately lead to the reflection of peace and hope through it all.
Psalm 27:1 points to this person and the reasons we should always be looking at him
“The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?”
Simply put (and something I believe many of us have heard before), Jesus has become a stronghold and foundation for anybody who comes to him. We can find refuge and strength in the midst of ALL circumstances, no matter how tragic, by simply focusing on him. By doing so, we’ll notice these three importance aspects of who he is in our lives:
1. Light
Jesus is not just a bright light that blinds us coming down from a cloud. He’s a good leader who reveals to us the way that we should go. In tragic situations, we can find the right path and direction for our lives by simply allowing Jesus to shed light on our situation and where he is calling us.
2. Salvation
This has been a huge one for me as I have dealt with battles in my mind and with my physical health. Jesus is our salvation. This means he is our freedom and deliverance from chains, bondage, and defeat. If you have sin, he conquered that. If you have illness, he delivers. If you have had pain and loss, he brings freedom and joy. We can experience true “revival” by coming to him with our struggles in hand.
3. Stronghold
The final aspect of Jesus described in this verse represents his ability to sustain and protect us. We don’t just have Jesus to come to in times of trouble. We can also remain in him, protected and strengthened at every turn. A stronghold represents stability and security that maintains peace even while chaos abounds all around. While pain is a real thing and tragedy occurs at times in anybody’s life, we can remain confident in the protection and security found in Jesus.
I want to encourage you to stay in the light, walk in salvation, and remain in the stronghold today!
