Blog
Do Not Fear, for I Am With You
by Jana Jones
“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 (NIV)
As we prepare for this season of Lent, I know that I am not alone in feeling the weight of turmoil surrounding this country. These last few months have seemed very hard, a season of wilderness and confusion as we witness anger, frustration, and acts of inhumanity to our neighbors. I am definitely in a state of dismay. My heart is aching. I find myself wondering how we have gone so far astray from the teachings of Christ. My thoughts are not always kind. I sometimes find myself doom-scrolling for information and updates, and have to make myself shut it off and step away. I keep telling myself that I need to create pockets of peace instead of allowing bad news to consume my thoughts and add to my distress.
God’s word is clear. God is with us. God will strengthen us and help us, supplying our strength. Instead of doom scrolling, I have begun to look for signs of God’s work in progress. I am looking for signs of hope. And these signs are all around when you stop to look.
I see it in the passion and determination of the people in Minneapolis who are standing as witnesses for justice. While many take to the streets in frigid weather, others find ways to give support to their neighbors who live in fear. They call it “neighboring.” They bring food to those who are afraid to go shopping. They escort neighbors to appointments. I see hope in action within my church, as people volunteer to patrol the parking lot during our Hispanic service so that the congregation can feel safe to come to worship.
Our mission giving is an act of hope—knowing that we are changing lives. Hope is thriving in the everyday work of communities such as our National Mission Institutions and mission partners, who are determined not to stop supporting the people they serve.
I see hope in those who are shining bright lights of moral witness; faith leaders who are preaching the gospel of peace and justice, while encouraging us to find tangible ways to help. I need these reminders: Joy is a form of resistance and hope. God is in charge, and love always wins.
Prayer
God of hope and love, as we begin this Lenten season, remind us that there are signs of hope all around us. Open our eyes so that we can see them and be witnesses to the world that Christ came to show us. Forgive us our stubborn, fearful, unloving ways. Remind us that hope is a verb. Help us find our place and do what is ours to do. Help us listen and act with love, kindness, and truth, remembering that with God, all things are possible. Amen
Jana Jones is the United Women in Faith National President.
