The Pilgrim’s Progress is an allegorical story by John Bunyan. A man named Christian has left the City of Destruction and is headed toward the Celestial City. At one point in the story he is headed toward a place of rest and safety for travellers. It is called The Palace Beautiful. Standing before him are … Continue reading The lions are chained
fear
It is I; do not be afraid
In the Old Testament, God is described as master over the waves. God “alone stretched out the heavens and trampled the waves of the sea” (Job 9:8). So even though it’s surprising, it’s no surprise that Jesus walks on water in John 6. After all, he is God come to us in human form. Not … Continue reading It is I; do not be afraid
Uncertainty, opportunity, intimacy
There is a lot to feel uncertain about: global armed conflict, differing opinions about the pandemic, other illness, potential food shortages, gas prices, a troubled relationship, random acts of violence, interest rates… Not only are there uncertainties, but sensationalism in the media can further contribute to fear and panic. Frank Furedi counted how many times … Continue reading Uncertainty, opportunity, intimacy
Yield to Jesus when you are fearful or anxious about the future
Never in my life have I talked to more people about the uncertainty of the future. If I were alive during World War Two or the upstart of the Cold War, perhaps I would not be able to say that. But fears and anxieties about the future are now common. Is it even possible to … Continue reading Yield to Jesus when you are fearful or anxious about the future
Our fears are afraid of God
Fear is all around us, and sometimes within us. That’s why Psalm 27:1 needs to be invisibly tattooed on our heads and hearts: “The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” It’s a rhetorical question. The answer is ‘No one!’ Recently I was listening to a song by Ross King … Continue reading Our fears are afraid of God
A stampede of fear
After a week’s vacation, The Up Devotional is back. Here’s to a holy and healthy 2022! We are living in a time of upheaval, a stampede of fear. In general, people can fear illness, job loss, environmental collapse, family breakdown and death. More recently, the list seems to be getting longer: germs, other people, the … Continue reading A stampede of fear
Where fear flourishes
Many people are afraid right now. Maybe you’re one of them. It’s not something we like to admit. So there it hides, deep within; but there it remains. Afraid of lockdowns, loneliness, sickness or sadness.Afraid of political turmoil, tomorrow, job security or uncertainty. But did you know that fear flourishes where God is not known? … Continue reading Where fear flourishes
Blurry thinking
The prophet Elijah was scared. Queen Jezebel had threatened his life. As a result, he fled about 600 kilometres to a cave at Mount Horeb. “What are you doing here, Elijah?” God asked. “He replied, ‘I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and … Continue reading Blurry thinking
The battle of the mind
The battle many people are fighting right now is the battle of the mind. Franticness. Failure. Fear. Loneliness. Loss. Lethargy. Distress. Disappointment. Doubt. So how do you win the battle of the mind? In 2 Corinthians 10:5 Paul writes: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and … Continue reading The battle of the mind
Fear doesn’t define us
Christians all over the world just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. As I was preparing to lead services this year one of the details in the story that struck me was the description of the women outside the tomb who had just learned about the resurrection: “So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid … Continue reading Fear doesn’t define us
