Dear Friends,
Sometimes I feel frustrated with the world. There’s so much anger and hate, so much focus on personal gain and power at the cost of others. When I read the news, it often feels like we've forgotten the call to care for each other, to show compassion to our neighbors—and even our enemies. I feel like few take seriously the responsibility to care for the earth and all of creation. I struggle with policies and political positions across the globe that seem indifferent to the environment and insensitive to people.
It seems there's a thirst for hate and an eagerness for conflict, which worries me as elections approach. I sometimes fear what we do to one another and how civility is fading. I believe this stems from fear. People see others’ lifestyles and worry that they're falling behind, that their families won't have the same chances, or that they have no say in what it means to be a citizen today. Fear seems to manifest in destructive ways in our relationships and communities.
But fear is a poor motivator. It leads only to more harm. The psalmist faces suffering from enemies but remembers who he is, saying, “The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” If we believe we are secure in God’s love, then why are we afraid? Paul tells us in Romans 8 that nothing can separate us from God in Christ—not even ourselves. If we truly believe this, why are we so consumed by fear? Fear is used by those in power to control others, but it cannot last; it will destroy itself eventually. So, what do we do?
We live out God’s call each day. We love God and others because we are secure in God’s love. The psalmist ends by saying, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.” We can live in love and service through the courage we find in a God as close as our breath. We can live boldly amidst those who wish to instill fear and stand ready to help those in need because this is what it means to follow Jesus. So, take courage, fellow believers, and live for others. In loving and serving, our fears fade—no matter who is President.
With the Greatest of Hope
Pastor Erika
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