“The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?” Psalm 27:1
Five-year-old Johnny was in the kitchen as his mother made supper. She asked him to go into the pantry and get her a can of tomato soup, but he didn’t want to go in alone. “It’s dark in there and I’m scared.” She asked again and he persisted. Finally, she said, “It’s OK–Jesus will be in there with you.” Johnny walked hesitantly to the door and slowly opened it. He peeked inside, saw it was dark, and started to leave – when suddenly an idea came, and he said: “Jesus, if you’re in there, would you hand me that can of tomato soup?”
There is much to fear in our world today. The power and force of nature can bring about destruction in moments. Humanity has invented numerous ways to destroy the world several times over. There are legitimate concerns for personal safety and security. Sometimes, our fear for the well-being of loved ones overtakes our thinking. We never know just how our day will unfold.
We are not promised a problem-free life, but we are told over and over again in scripture to “fear not.” As long as the Lord is our light and salvation, then who or what can really harm us? After the writer of Psalm 27 lists off the many ways we can trust in God, he exhorts us with these words: “Let your heart take courage, wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14) Let your heart take courage. That sounds like a good plan for today.