Fields United Methodist Church

Day 18.  Take Time to Be Holy

April 14, 2020

“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?” Psalm 27:1-2

Read:  Psalm 27

Fear has a way of creeping into our lives, especially when the unknown is a daily occurrence. If you are on the 24-hour news cycle, you may come to believe all is lost; it paints a picture of gloom and doom even when Jesus continues to offer an alternative. Many chapters ago in my life, I was a frequent flyer and every time I sat in a plane my hands grew weary of clutching the seat and my mind tired of the endless “what if’s” of flying. When I finally succumbed to Jesus’ call on my life, I entered the plane, took my seat, and celebrated the presence of God. My fear was swallowed up in the reality of the promise of our resurrected Jesus to be with me “even to the end of the age.” It was calming, even in the midst of the “what if’s…” When the Lord is the “stronghold” of your life, the strongholds of this world that once held you captive disappear. The words, “do not fear,” are mentioned 365 times in the Bible maybe because, well, there is a lot going on in our lives right now. There is a global pandemic; loss of millions of jobs; freedoms taken away; inability to visit loved ones who are sick or dying; normal everyday life has been put on hold. Yet there is a voice crying in the midst of this wilderness of unknown calling each of us to come “all that are weary and carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Your resurrected Savior Jesus Christ conquered the grave for you; he will also conquer your fears. Let go and “his Spirit like a dove will descend upon your life and make you whole.” (#347UMH) Accept Jesus the Christ as your Lord and Savior and may your fears be overcome by presence of Jesus, emblazoned upon your soul; “be strong and take courage.”

What “strongholds” are keeping you from fully enjoying this moment? List them.

What are you doing to deepen your relationship with Jesus today?

How are you taking time to be holy today?

Prayer: Jesus, help me to realize that your love for me is far more powerful than any fears I may have today. May your Holy Spirit give me the courage to face this day with the confidence of your eternal presence in my life. Thank you Jesus. Amen