Fear

 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; 
 he delivered me from all my fears. 
          -Psalms 34: 4 

 Fear has grown bold in recent days
 It lurks behind every corner and every turn -
 Boo!

 Aggressively, fear is in your face
 Sleeping and waking with you, all tangled up in daily tasks
 Dining with you, feasting on all you hold dear 
 Fear is no longer quiet
 None of us exempt from its gaze
 Fear has grown bold in recent days
 Laughing as we worry and we wonder 
 
 Fear mocks our pain as we squirm and fret 
 Gleefully he charges ahead, 
 Spreading, stalking and stoking the doubts, the worries -
 All the what if’s

 He’s been looking and waiting for this chance
 Fear has taken over the world, 
 He is frolicking about in a playground of his and our own making
 He’s grown bolder and he’s getting louder
 Fear has set his stake in each who have allowed him in

 Oh, yes, fear has grown bold in recent days 
 Feeding off our thoughts, he’s growing bigger and bolder
 Monster he is -
 Boo!
 
 If you want to be free  
 You will have to fight 
 Stop feeding him
 Be brave and courageous and even louder

 Cling to Truth, to all things good pure and right
 Do not let love out of your sight, not even for a moment
 Call on the Maker 
 Turn away from the darkness

 Turn away from all that is hidden, bring it all out into the open
 Unpack your burdens, quickly! There is no time to waste! 
 Bring it all -yes, even that-
 Bring it all into His light

 Forgive, oh yes, 
 Let love grow and spread 
 Reclaim the ground fear has so boldly stolen in recent days 
 
 If you are to live - 
 Live free!
 Be brave and courageous and even louder 
 Declare His Truth and Grace, and forgiveness 
 Grow fruit by living according to the Maker’s way 
 
 Turn your thoughts back on Him
 Choose this day, whom will you serve?
 
 Fear has grown bold in recent days
 He won’t easily let you go or give up
 So it is time for you, dearly beloved, 
 You must grow courage
 Be brave and be loud; declare His Truth

 Praise The King, who is your king? 
 It is time to choose:  fear of evil or fear the Lord?


But now, this is what the Lord says- 
 he who created YOU, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel,
  “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; 
 I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 
                                 Isaiah 43:1