Formed by Fear?

What is it that shapes or forms the way we live?  To what extent are our lives filled and shaped by things like grace, trust, assurance and love . . . and to what extent do concern, worry, anxiety and maybe even suspicion shape how we live and respond?  How do things look different -- Indeed how do we live differently -- depending on which of those are the primary forces that shape us?  

Now of course, if were given a test, we would all score well in how we answered.  We know the right things to say.  But the question is, if people were to observe the way we live, how would they score our tests.

Fear - the apprehension of evil.  The feeling of anxiety on the account of some expected evil. 

According to Yoda, "Fear is the path to the dark side."  Whatever else you may think about Yoda, he may have gotten that one right.  It's not that fear does not have a place.  Fear can be a warning signal that something is dangerous or wrong.  But fear is meant to be a short term perception, not a long term chronic condition.  It is not what is to shape our lives - but when it becomes that for us, we can certainly be shaped and molded in unfortunate ways.  Take a few moments to reflect on the ways that fear worms it way into our lives, and perhaps, how we might recognize it and let it go.

Fear is what David reflects upon as he writes and signs Psalm 27.  Or, more accurately, what David is focusing on is the alternative to fear, the better way, the shaping and forming influences that we need to embrace, especially in a culture that is saturated in fear.  Take a few moments to read through and reflect on the psalm, and listen to what it is that surfaces in the midst of this song as you do so.  What do you notice?  Where is the focus?  Do we find the focus of our own lives more in harmony with the focus here, or are there other things that drive us, shape us, motivate our conversations and actions?  

That is what Pastor Jon explores with us today as he invites us to reflect on this passage and the place of fear in our lives.   If you would like to listen to the sermon once again, or perhaps for the first time, you can access our sermon library by clicking here.