London

Senseless murder and tragedy struck again as the disciples of death and hell plied their trade in London under the cover of doing Allah’s will. Adrian Warnock, noted British blogger and pastor, responds with To the terrorists: we will survive your bombs.

One Internet site was set up just to respond with pictures from around the world saying We Are Not Afraid [Note: some images contain vulgarity.] We, here at the Meisheid’s sent in three contributions (they are so overwhelmed they might not appear and I don’t know how you would find them even if they got posted, but it is the thought that counts). One is included below.

There is almost nothing in literature like the Kwisatz Haderach confronting fear. For those of you who are uninitiated, this is from the first of a series of science fiction novels revolving around the planet Dune written by Frank Herbert. I have sometimes used his now famous chant as inspiration for some of my prayers in tough situations. It comes from a larger chant, part of which is reproduced below.

I will not fear
Fear is the mind killer,
Fear is the little death
That brings total oblivion
I will permit my fear to pass
Over me and through me…

As Christians, who are reborn in Christ Jesus, we of all people have nothing to fear. Paul the apostle buoyed us with the knowledge that nothing in all of creation can separate us from the love of God. So inspired by both Pauls I offer this prayer:

Fear Not

I will not fear
For fear diminishes my soul.
Though I walk through the valley of death
I will not fear.
Though all the forces of evil array against me
I will not fear.
Though my life is forfeit and my body destroyed
I will not fear.
For the peace that passes understanding comforts me.
The joy that is unspeakable consumes my soul.
The fire of the Spirit of the Living God resides within me.
Grace beyond measure is my birthright.
For I know that my Redeemer lives
And absolutely know that I will see him on the last day.
Nothing in all of creation can change my eternal destiny.
So Christian, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees
And you will mount up with wings as eagles.
You will run and not be weary; walk, and not be faint
For your God is the Lord, and your Savior is Christ Jesus.

So, don’t be afraid, and if necessary repeat to yourself, “I will not fear.” In closing remember the words of Paul to the Romans, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons…” Romans 8:15. Say it again, “I will not fear.”