FIGHT FEAR WITH THE LIGHT OF THE LORD
The psalmist writing today’s text confirmed a confident, robust
faith. The Lord is light, salvation and strength. God’s mystic being
gives each of us the resolve to overcome fear and do away with
frightening experiences.
In our contemporary culture, we are frequently exploited based on
fear. Look at some of the television programs riding high in the
ratings. In “Fear Factor,” contestants sit in coffins while live
rats run over their bodies. “Survivor” and its ilk promote the fear
of rejection. On his show, Donald Trump fires someone every week.
A different and real fear must be present in Iraq as our soldiers
storm into buildings where insurgents may be lurking. They drive
their Humvees down roads that hide mines and explosives.
Some fears are unique with one’s age. My youngest grandchildren
are afraid to go to the lower level unless I come along and turn on
the lights. And I now suffer what I call “adult-onset acrophobia.”
Ten or fifteen years ago, I had no fear climbing tall ladders or
pulling the cat out of a tree. I don’t do those things anymore.
With faith, the Lord’s Light blanks out the darkness often
associated with your fears. Faith in the Lord brings light brighter
than any bulb.
The Lord is the strength of my life. Whom shall I fear?
Oh Lord, do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant
away in anger. You have been my help. Do not leave me nor forsake
me, O God of my salvation. Amen
Tom Cronk
