Daily Readings: Psalm 27; Isaiah 26:7-15; Acts 2:37-42

The Lord is my light and my salvation; of whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh – my adversaries and foes – they shall stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.

One thing I ask of the Lord, that I will seek after; to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

Fear casts all things in shadow, and all people, making everything look like a threat. Fear can capture my attention with its lack of light, tempting me to close my eyes to all that is good, beautiful, and loving. Fear is a great motivator, but a terrible companion and advisor. So why do I choose to walk with fear?

It is when I seek the house of God, when I choose to listen to holy words, songs, and prayers, that I can choose another companion for the journey. That doesn’t mean that my path will be smooth and without suffering, or that I won’t stop in the house of fear for a visit or two; but it does mean that fear is not at the core of who I am, and it cannot control how I see the world.

Love and trust are much better travel companions: they know the way to the house of the Lord, and are happy to take me there.

May both shadow and light guide you to God-With-Us.