by Victoria Heinecke

No need to fear, God is here!

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

“So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 New International Version

Our neighbor’s cat was making the rounds this week, and she sat next to our tall tree. Many birds were flying in and out of the tree, and as she watched them, their chirping became increasingly noisy and agitated. Although she appeared to have no interest in the birds, the birds were very aware of her.

There were enough birds chattering at the same time, it was hard to hear an individual bird’s chirps over the cacophony. Meanwhile, the cat sat, listening and watching a car pass by.

The world’s noise can feel like a cacophony of chatter. It’s hard to hear the individual voices. It’s tempting to tune everything out in an attempt to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

The enemy has worked hard to scatter God’s flock. Sometimes all he has to do is sit and wait for the flock to panic.

Turn off the chatter, turn on the Word.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.“
John 14:27 New International Version

God’s got this, even when calamity is the norm. The pandemic will eventually end, and he knows exactly when. This year will come to an end as well, and we’ll celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. Christians will sing “Silent Night” on Christmas Eve – in churches, on street corners, and in front of their homes.

“Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
1 Peter 3:13b-15a New International Version

Winter may be coming, but joy is a year ’round state of mind whose root is contentment no matter the circumstances. There is always something to be thankful for.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado