Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-6
2Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might, and has become my salvation. 3With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
4And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call on God’s name; make known the deeds of the Lord among the nations; proclaim that this name is exalted. 5Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. 6Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
Do not be afraid! Easier said than done, yes?
Yet this is the message that the angels share with the shepherds on the hillside outside of Bethlehem.
Do not be afraid.
It is the message of Jesus when he appears to the disciples when walking on water to their boat.
Do not be afraid.
It is also the message of Jesus when he appears to the disciples behind closed doors on that first Easter day.
Do not be afraid.
It was 80 years ago today that Pearl Harbor was attacked and the United States entered into World War II.
Do not be afraid.
21 months into a pandemic. Life is anything but back to normal.
Do not be afraid.
Today’s lesson is a verse/song that was shared at my ordination back in June, 1990 (Boomer Pastor).
I love this verse. It is a mantra for me and my ministry that I have carried with me over these 30 plus years.
The certainty of God’s promises is what carries me. It is what I do my best to share with the congregation I serve. Surely God is my salvation. Most certainly. Most assuredly.
Hear the words of this anthem in the video attached. This anthem was sung at my ordination. It still brings tears to my eyes when I hear it.
I also like in this video that the KIDS are the ones who have their parts memorized – the adults are the ones who have the music in front of them! Can you relate?
What is the song or passage that is your mantra, your go-to verse?
Let us pray: Almighty God, surely you are my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for you are my strength and my might; and you have become my salvation. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen