Journey of the Word

If I’m really honest, I’m afraid of tomorrow. And really, all my fears show up in that one perpetual, relentless fear.

I. Am. Afraid. Of. The. Future.

I’m afraid of what lies ahead. And I’m afraid of what may lie ahead.

I am afraid of the unknown. I’m afraid the years will go by too quickly. I’m afraid of missed opportunities. I’m afraid my life will end “prematurely” and I won’t have time to do the things I love. Or the things I should.

I’m afraid of what people will think of the decisions I make or the words I say. I’m afraid that I won’t be found good enough, and I’m afraid I won’t meet expectations. I’m afraid of losing jobs, abilities, talents, possessions, or passions.

I’m afraid of broken relationships. I’m afraid of losing friendships and starting new ones. I’m afraid of not being seen. Of not being known. I’m afraid I’ll never marry or bear children. I’m afraid of living the rest of my life alone.

I’m afraid of terrible things that may happen to me or my family. I’m afraid I won’t have the finances I need when I need them. I’m afraid of the sickness I may incur, or the procedures I may have to endure. I’m afraid of living in pain. I’m afraid of how I will die. Worse yet, I’m afraid that I won’t be able to handle the deaths of the peopIe I love.

And the fears don’t end there, because fears are never-ending. Oh but there is a glorious and sweet consolation.

Lest these fears consume me, I find a promise that outweighs them all.

Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are mine. 

Herein lies the promise that all I need will be provided. The promise that I have a Guide. A Teacher. A Helper. A Friend. A Redeemer. The promise that my life will, by God’s grace, make an eternal difference and will carry on in the lives of those I touch. The promise that my God is the One True and Living God, and there is no other Rock.

And with these promises ringing in my soul, I can most assuredly say, “I am not afraid of the future.”

I need not fear. For I have been redeemed.

{The above meditation is a reflection of Isaiah 43 & 44.}

 [image credit: unsplash.com]