The Way of Jesus: a Reflection on Psalm 27, Psalm 147:12-20, Genesis 39:1-23, 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:1

With God as our light there is nothing to fear. Do followers of Jesus really believe that? I confess that more often than not, fear is a prime motivator in my life. The fears of rejection, inadequacy, not pleasing people, making the wrong decision, missing God’s will, being misunderstood and so many others can immobilize me. Are you aware of the fear factor in your life? Joseph had much to fear when he was sold into slavery by his brothers, resisted the Pharaoh’s wife’s advances and continued to believe God in a culture that did not acknowledge his God. Fear clouds our thinking. It inhibits believing the promises of God. That is why I am growing in the practice of spiritual discernment. Discernment is the discipline of hearing God’s voice in the midst of the clutter of other voices; all voices competing for our loyalty. The paralytic who was lowered through the roof knew no fear; nor did his friends. God grant me the courage to believe fear less and you more. May that prayer be true for all Christ followers today.

Scripture texts are taken from the two-year daily lectionary cycle which follows the liturgical calendar and begins on the First Sunday of Advent.