#277. Rev. David Hockett - March 7, 2024

If time allowed, we could work our way around the Sanctuary on any given Sunday and hear stories about how life can be overwhelming, leaving us worried and afraid. Apocalyptic tragedy and devastating loss, welcome and unwelcome change, concern over finances and the future, and fear of what we might miss if we make decision or take one path over another, can all leave us overwhelmed, worried, and afraid. And this is normal. As Hamilton notes, it’s normal and healthy to fear certain things and to be worried at times. The problem is when the worry or fear takes hold of us and controls us, leaving us paralyzed or stuck (p. 145). As a remedy to paralyzing worry, Jesus invites us to pursue God’s Kingdom. That is, he doesn’t dismiss our concerns and worries as insignificant, rather, he reminds us of God’s love and care for us and invites us to pursue God who loves and cares for us. Therein lies the pathway, not around the things that lead to worry and fear, but through them, with Christ as our friend and guide.