Savage Beasts and Other Such Fears

 

Rebuke the beasts

that dwell among the reeds.

           Psalm 68. 30

Our vivid imaginations

can sometimes get us into trouble.

We imagine all kinds

   of fearful things

   and wild savage beasts

just lurking in the shadows

   and preparing an ambush.

But God's Presence

   changes how we can walk.

Rebuke those fears,

  "You are not wanted here."

We don't have to invite

  fear and anxiety into our day.

Nor make those wild beasts

               our pets.

Jesus dwells with us.

We can walk with Him

               differently

  in our scary situations.

Anxiety and all their cousins

  may shout, bark and scream

but they cannot hurt us,

       nor will they ever help.

God grants us the courage

  to have a new heart in this

and keep our eyes on Him.

O LORD,

The shadows are deep.

We think we hear

            savage beasts

   surrounding us,

but You are with us.

We need not be afraid.

Grant us the wisdom

             and strength

to walk differently into this day.

And to not be distracted

   from Your wonders in it.

Dwell in us, O LORD,

  so that there is no room

  for despair.