Fear, weariness, concern, cynicism, frustration seems to define the mood and emotions of many today. We hear of war and violence, corona virus, financial crisis, devastating storms and tornadoes, moral collapse amongst youth, a loss of faith for many young adults, and we are tempted to tremble in our boots, or to be filled with despair.

Yet, scripture speaks to us over and over again about God's desire to protect us, to be present with us, to respond to our prayers, to crush the wicked. Over 80 times in scripture we read, "Fear Not!" and the verse above is one of my favorite "fear not" verses that I learned when I was a very young believer.