Teach me how to live, O Lord.
Lead me along the right path,
for my enemies are waiting for me.
Do not let me fall into their hands.
For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;
with every breath they threaten me with violence (Psalm 27:11-12 NLT).

How do we live?  There are different voices raging in our world, our nation, our state, our county, and our city. There are strong opinions in all directions. Oftentimes we don’t know what to say or do, and fear rejection of our ideas–and us.

William Wilberforce, an English politician from the eighteenth century, was born into wealth but became aware of the shortcomings of his behavior one year, after being elected to Parliament. He said, “The first years in Parliament I did nothing—nothing to any purpose. My own distinction was my darling object.” But he had a spiritual awakening after being convicted by the Holy Spirit of his extreme living. He said, “My walk is a public one,” he wrote in his diary. “My business is in the world, and I must mix in the assemblies of men or quit the post which Providence seems to have assigned me.” If you know his story, he continued for the rest of his life to fight for the downtrodden. There were many battles, but the one he was most famous for was the end of slavery. Three days before he died, Parliament abolished the slave trade in the British Empire. Wilberforce was a charmer, and enjoyed entertaining people and making them laugh. While battling slavery, he made enemies and it was difficult for him. It is said he turned to the Psalms for comfort.

That’s what we must do at times when we believe we are right and others reject us.

There is another One to turn to in troubled times. Our Savior, Jesus Christ who, if we believe and trust in him, can give us strength and. comfort.

In the Gospel of Mark, a believer, Jairus’ faith was tested when his daughter was dying. As he and Jesus and his disciples were walking to his home, friends came to them and reported Jairus’ daughter had died. But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith” (Mark 5:36 NLT). Read more…Holding her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!” 42 And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed (41-42). 

What are your fears today? The economy? Your job? An audit from the state or IRS to examine your tax returns? Perhaps they are different fears, your spouse is very ill and not thriving. Your doctor asks you to come in for more tests. Your child is moving away from his beliefs in the Bible, and you fear their future without God. So many fears, but if we have a personal relationship with Christ, those fears can be given over to him.

I love this old hymn, “On Christ, the Solid Rock.” Click on the link below.

I love what this vocalist does. She recognizes Who our Rock is. Then she praises the name of God. A good way to dispel those fears.

While it is good to be concerned with our lives and our world, the best thing we can do is to bring the fears to the one who said, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”

If you enjoy my blog, please share with others who might benefit from them. May you receive the comfort and strength from Jesus Christ.

Photo taken at Arches National Park

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