What have you learned from your engagement with fear? Many know the line, “…the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” It was spoken by President Franklin Roosevelt in his 1933 inauguration, as the nation was struggling to emerge from the Great Depression. The longer quote is “…let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” One could dicker a bit with President Roosevelt, noting that some fears are more “justified” than other fears. Still, it is evident that fear left unaddressed will hurt rather than heal, and stifle rather than nurture the energy and flow of spiritual growth.
The call to address fear in a faithful way is a deep and persistent theme in Holy Scripture. I can still remember the story that my mother told me about my father, and their train trips from South Mississippi to Chicago for his cancer surgeries and treatments. She said that on every trip, he would ask her to read Psalm 34, especially verse 4, which reads, “I sought the Lord, who answered me, and delivered me from all of my fears.” As a child, when I heard that story, I was glad my father found comfort in those words. But I was also shaken to learn that my father, the man who seemed as solid as a rock to me, needed to be assured in the face of something frightening.
What does fear have to teach us in this world that knows both real and imagined terror? In Psalm 91, we read that the people of God are sheltered in the shadow of the Almighty, and are not to fear the terrifying things of the night or of the day. And, in his farewell to his disciples, Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
What, then, are we to do when we are afraid? Let’s chat about this on Sunday morning, as the sermon is titled, “Staring Fear in the Face”. The sermon arises from Psalm 91, and John 14: 15-17 and 25-27, which will be read by Donna Richardson. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will lead us musically. We will also have a moment for children, and a time of prayer.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for a long time, a short time, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with those of you here in-person or joining on the livestream. To join online, visit www.smumc.church at 10:30 AM, and click on the Live Stream banner.