Today is November 21.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 56.  
 
      3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  
         4   In God, whose word I praise—  
         in God I trust and am not afraid.  
         What can mere mortals do to me? 
      10 In God, whose word I praise,  
         in the LORD, whose word I praise—  
      11 in God I trust and am not afraid.  
         What can man do to me?  
  
Scripture so often talks about fear, one of the most basic of human emotions. Fear can be acute – being afraid in a frightening situation – or chronic – being afraid in an ongoing way where fear or anxiety becomes a chronic part of our emotional landscape, even if there’s nothing in front of us to be afraid of. Do you struggle with fear, or anxiety, or worry? Is there a situation right now that makes you feel afraid? Bring that to the Lord. 
 
Now take whatever situation that has come into your mind… perhaps a specific thing you are worried about? Or a fear you have? Or chronic anxiety? And as you listen again to the words of this psalm, imagine offering it to the Lord, laying it down at His feet. 
 
What can man do to me? One the one hand, we might answer: A LOT! Humanity does horrific things, mankind can be cruel. On the other hand, we might consider what the Psalmist is pointing toward: that regardless of what happens in this mortal world, God is trustworthy. We can remember that in this mortal world we will have trouble. And there are things to fear. AND we can ask God for the power to trust in his eternal love, His eternal justice and mercy, and His eternal shalom. This is not a simple thing. As we end, I have two encouragements for you. First, if you are afraid of a particular situation or person… and if you have reason to be afraid, if anyone is hurting or harming you… please reach out to a pastor, counselor, or safe friend and talk to them… so that someone else knows and can help you. Second, if you know that you are safe… but yet struggle with fear or anxiety or worry… take time through your day to offer it – over and over – to the feet of Jesus. 
 
Music: "Be Still" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1gofYxnWpE&list=OLAK5uy_lORjIs-fhaoAb6ot2t54vI3oFG2Cvhwms&index=3