by Rev. Aidan Moon

Moving through Fear

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.“

– Psalm 18:2, English Standard Version

As a kid, I was scared of a lot of things. The dark, being alone, looking dumb, physical activity… and heights.

I still remember the first time I was challenged by a camp counselor to try a mere twenty foot rappel. It took me over half an hour to get the courage to step over the edge and descend, even harnessed and roped to several strong anchors. I was terrified.

A few months ago I was back at the camp I spent all those years working, and I was struck by the change. As I sat a few feet from the edge of a two hundred foot cliff, I was at ease. A few minutes later, harnessed, helmeted, and anchored in, I quickly and comfortably descended the cliff, the rope sliding through a gloved hand and feet planted on the rock. What changed?

I grew to trust. I knew what I was relying on. I could jump on the large boulder or shake the huge, rooted tree I was tied to. I could see the strength of my anchors. And through repetition, and time, as I grew to trust my anchors, equipment, and belayer, I was able to move through the nerves and anticipation, even fear, to experience the joy and excitement of the rappel.

What do you trust? In the end, the strength of the anchor is what makes something trustworthy. The strength of our faith in those anchors is minimally important, though we certainly won’t act unless there is some trust there. God is a steadfast source. We can rely on Him. The God who raised Jesus from the dead will certainly care for you. Will you trust Him?

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado