There was a parade of superheroes, princesses, and even a bumblebee through our gathering space this week, as part of the Lord of Life Preschool Halloween procession. It was a delight to see all the little ones and teachers dressed up and prancing around in their alter egos begging for treats.
I liked dressing up and working the neighborhood when I was a kid, but there were a few houses we always avoided – the super scary homesteads where the dry ice billowed over the sidewalk and the strobe lights flashed in frantic and disorienting rhythm, while creepy noises blared from hidden speakers. Of course, there was always someone nestled in a dark location who would jump out when we were least expecting it. For me, it was less “Trick or Treat” and more fright and fear.
I haven’t been to a haunted house for years, because there is plenty of terror and fright in daily life. There’s no need for me to go searching for more. Violence and aggression are never far from us. Hatred and jealousy rip through families and communities. The crippling cancer diagnoses continue to roll in, wars between nations and friends continue to rage, and the battle against hunger and poverty appear to regularly stall.
We shouldn’t be surprised by all of this. Over and over throughout biblical accounts, we hear the matriarchs and patriarchs say that life will be hard and scary at times. Even Jesus said that we will have trouble. “I have told you [about turning your grief into joy], so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Oh yeah! This fills me with confident hope!
The apostle Paul also spoke clearly about the trouble and trauma constantly encircling us, but he wouldn’t let it dominate his thoughts or paralyze his life. He confidently declared, “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
Our Psalm for Reformation Sunday, Psalm 46, has delivered a hearty remedy to fearful and apprehensive people for thousands of years.
God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.
We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,
courageous in seastorm and earthquake,
Before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains.
Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God-of-Angel-Armies protects us. (Psalm 46:1-3 - The Message)
No matter what happens to us or the troubles that come, God is with us and for us. Church leader and reformer Martin Luther found such assurance in Psalm 46 that it inspired him to pen the lyrics for “A Mighty Fortress.”
I don’t know what is scaring you these days or what anxiety you carry, but hear Jesus’ words for you, today: “Do not fear. You are mine. I love you and will protect and encourage you. No matter what leaps out from the dark and shadowed places of your life, I am with you always.”
Be not afraid,
Pastor Lowell