Romans 8: 35, 37-39 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither the angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” NIV

One thing which I have learned since having a horse is that I must be alert at all times when I am out riding in the cart pulled by my gelding Frank. Why, because horses are easily spooked. We can be out enjoying the stillness of a crisp and glorious spring morning, or dashing through a pristine, snowy landscape, when out of the blue, for no reason which I can discern, Frank, without warning will jump or swerve to the side in fear. Windy days also hold their share of spookiness for him as unfamiliar or frightening scents assault his nostrils. It is only my firm, yet gently guiding hands on the reins as well as a calm soothing voice that sets him right again and keeps him on track.

Horses are not the only ones easily spooked however are they? How many times have I found myself, have you found yourself spooked? We’re traveling along the pathway of life and all is bright and full of sunshine and goodness when we are assaulted by fear, real or imagined. We receive bad news, we hear a rumour, we see something which we’re not sure about, or our mind simply scrabbles down thought pathways that lead to dark and frightening corners. All fears which life has taught us could become a reality at any time for we live in an ever changing world, a world that holds very few certainties regarding our security and safety. And yet amidst all of these things, real or imagined which have the power to spook us, God gently yet firmly speaks these words of power and truth into the hearts of those who listen and place their trust in him:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9b

God is with us. He holds the reins of our lives. And the answer to having peace and well being amidst the spooky things of life is to continue to grow and learn to fully yield our lives, all that we are and have, to him. To trust in him with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding, but in all our ways to acknowledge him, so that he may direct our paths. By so doing his peace, power and assurance is able to flow through His Holy Spirit into our hearts and minds amidst any and every situation this life can possibly blow our way for HE IS WITH US every day in every way whether we feel his presence or not for God cannot lie.

Today, spooky things may come our way, either real or imagined. But amidst them we have a choice: to be spooked by them or to conquer them through Him who loves us and will never, ever leave us.

Which choice will you choose today?

Prayer: Father God, thank you that you are always with us, whether we feel your presence or not, your word states this fact as truth and you are incapable of lying. So bless each of today with the courage and faith to hold firmly to this truth that we may be more than conquers amidst the spooky uncertainties of life, through him who loves us. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Lynne Phipps
Atlin, B.C.