Great Things For Us

"For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name." Luke 1:49

Mary was beside herself with joy and wonder at the amazing things God was doing in her life. Wonder and joy are probably not the only words that could be used to describe how Mary felt. Anxious, nervous, afraid might be some others. We like to think that we are at least in charge of our own lives; of our own destinations. But, God blessed Mary with a gift that she had never requested. Her life and ours was forever changed by this gift. In her, God's Son was conceived. Through her, God's only begotten Son was born.

God gave this gift of His son not just to Mary; but, to the world. He has done this great thing for all of us. Thanks be to God for this precious child born to save us from ourselves. May God continue to do great things for us; turning us from ourselves to serve the living Lord.

The Savior lives! He is risen! He is risen, indeed! 

God's Peace - Pr. J

God Calls Us Beyond Ourselves

I was reminded by a post on facebook this morning how terribly afraid some are of being confronted by God. It is much better to keep the music blaring in our ears and to sleep with the television on than to take a chance that God just might whisper in our ear and call us to follow Jesus. I have often thought that this might also be the reason that there are those who prefer not to worship God by attending worship services even though they claim to be Christians. They may just be afraid that in hearing His Word in the lessons or preaching or even the hymns they may be called to step out beyond their own desires and follow Jesus.

And... we all know where Jesus leads us. He leads us to the cross. He calls us to die to ourselves so that we might live in him and that he might live and reach out to others through us. There is a great possibility that if we take the time to listen to God rather than the world around us that we might just be asked to make a few changes in our lives and no one really wants to do that.

I know that I have quoted Annie Dillard from her book "Teaching a Stone to Talk" in at least a couple of sermons. Thanks to a facebook post, here it is again, especially for those who do not attend worship services because they are afraid that God might call them to a place beyond themselves and they would not be able to return to their old way of living. Yes; indeed, it takes a bit of courage to hear God's Word and actually listen to him.

"It is madness to wear straw hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews. For the sleeping God may wake someday and take offense, or the waking God may draw us out to where we can never return."
 
God's Peace - Pr. J

Unbelievably Sad

My heart throbs, my strength fails me;
    as for the light of my eyes—it also has gone from me.
My friends and companions stand aloof from my affliction,
    and my neighbors stand far off.

Those who seek my life lay their snares;
    those who seek to hurt me speak of ruin,
    and meditate treachery all day long.

Psalm 38:10-12 NRSV

 

I find myself unbelievably saddened today. I am sad because you are sad.

It never fails to astound me how quickly people who say they care will turn against someone or even desert them when someone is being afflicted. Instead of helping and supporting their "friends and companions," they turn on them much like Job's friends turned on him when he was afflicted. They turn on them and dessert them in their time of need and in doing so they hurt, even further, the one who is hurting.

 

I wish that I could help them in their loneliness. I am always willing to be there to listen. However, not everyone wants their pastor to care; after all, that's what pastors do: care for the afflicted. Sometimes people need more people than just their pastor. Most of us have probably been, at one time or another, in that place where it seems like there is no one left who cares about us. I have come to know the one who is always there for you... His name is Jesus. He is always with you. Talk to him. Hear his gentle voice: Be not troubled. Be not afraid. My peace I give to you. (John 14:27)

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Revelation 1:1-20 Do Not Be Afraid

Revelation 1:1-20 NIV
“Do not be afraid." (vs 17)

In his vision, St. John sees Jesus. The vision of Jesus was so absolutely awesome that John fell at his feet as thought. It would strike a bit of fear into anyone's heart. But, Jesus tells him, "Do not be afraid."

Entering into the presence of our Lord can be a terrifying thing. He is the one with the two-edged sword coming out of his mouth. This sword is the word of God. It cuts to the heart of the matter. One side for convicting us; the other for healing our wounds.

His presence is awesome; but, do not be afraid. He loves you so much that he was willing to die for you. Believe that he is for you and live for him and in him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Philippians 1:15-30 Fear of Death

Philippians 1:15-30 NIV


Cemetery at Old Sheldon Church, Beaufort, SC

At a pastor's conference, years ago, the speaker informed us that everyone is afraid to die, including Christians. I was offended by this revelation. I know many Christians who are not afraid of death. St. Paul certainly was not. He wrote: ^"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." (vs 21-24)

As a pastor and hospice chaplain I have sat beside more than a few who have been breathing their last breaths in this world. I have indeed witnessed the fear of death in the faces of some. But, I have also witnessed the peace and the joy of those who know that their hope to depart and to be with Christ is about to be fulfilled. In those latter times, I was reminded of St. Stephen's martyrdom. "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'Look,' he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.' At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he fell on his knees and cried out, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' When he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:55-60)

Stephen saw the glory of God. He saw Jesus. Up until his very last breath, Stephen followed in the footsteps of Jesus to further the gospel as he prayed, even as Jesus had prayed with his last breath, for the forgiveness of those who were putting him to death. Not long after Stephen's stoning, St. Paul, who is this same Saul who stood and watched the murder of Stephen, met the ascended Jesus on the road to Damascus. His whole life changed. He became a willing and ardent follower of Jesus; living his life as a testimony for Christ. He was not afraid of prison. He was not afraid of death. He longed to be with Jesus; yet, he was willing to do whatever God's will was for him. He was willing to be attacked and persecuted in this world if it would advance the gospel.

No, we are not all afraid of death. Those who believe that Jesus lived and died; rose from the dead; and now reigns in the Heavenly Kingdom look forward to the day when we will see the full glory of God even while we understand that it might be necessary for others that we stay here in this world a while longer. While we live we will give testimony of all that God has done for us, to His glory.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 3:7-18 Glory

2 Corinthians 3:7-18 NIV
Paul was not afraid to proclaim the gospel. He faced persecution and death; yet, that would not stop him from proclaiming the good of news of Jesus Christ. In Jesus, the veil that left the people in the darkness; that is the veil that had shrouded God glory, had been lifted. Paul wanted everyone to contemplate the glory of God. He was willing to do all that he could that everyone would live in the hope of knowing His glory.

Have you seen it? Do you know it? Has the veil been lifted for you. Do you know Jesus the Christ? Do you contemplate the glory of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Be not afraid. Be not afraid to share the glory of God in Christ Jesus with others. For He is the source of all hope.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 20:1-6 Mission Field Is Large

Acts 20:1-6 NIV
The mission field is large. It is where you are. It is all around you. It is world-wide. There was an awful lot of area for those first disciples to cover; a lot of people to reach. Paul spent his ministry trying to reach all of them with the Good News of the Kingdom. After encouraging the disciples who served with him in Ephesus, he left them and set out to encourage others with the Good News of the Kingdom.

I was in a small group not long ago when the question was asked what we should do if our attempts to share God's peace with someone are rebuffed. Here is the answer that I hear from scripture: shake the dust off of your feet; shake the dust out of your clothes (Mark 6:10-12, Acts 18:6); and thank God that for the blessing of peace that has returned to you (Matthew 10:12-14) even as you move on to share the Good News with someone who needs and will hear it. The mission field is; after all, quite large. Sharing the Good News is a win/win for those who share it. If it is received, we have gained a brother or sister. If it is not, we have the peace of God which we have tried to bless others with. Do not fear to share the Good News. Do not be afraid to be rebuffed. The Lord is with you. His peace is a blessing to you.

The mission field is large. There are still a lot of people to reach. Our mission is not something that happens just in the sanctuary of our churches where we feel safe. Our mission will take us out into the world sharing the Good News of the Kingdom in Christ Jesus and encouraging others in the faith.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 3:11-26 God Will Provide The Opportunity

Acts 3:11-26 NIV
Peter used the healing of the blind man as a spring board to proclaim that the prophecies of old had been fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

I sometimes hear from people that they are too timid or too shy to share the Good News of the Kingdom for all who believe in Jesus Christ. They say that they wouldn't know how or what to say. Listen for it. Watch for it. God will provide us with the words to say. God will provide us the opportunities. Those opportunities are all around us. So often we are not afraid to share bad news. We are not so timid when it comes to that. Do not be afraid to share Good News with one another so that others may hear that even though we are deep in sin, God our Father loves us and has forgiven us through the blood of Jesus Christ. Do not be afraid to share the Good News of the Kingdom so that all will hear; believe, and be reconciled to God the Father, through God the Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit, in His Kingdom. After all, there are none whom we would not wish to see inherit eternal life, are there?

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 18:15-27 A Rooster Crows

John 18:15-27 NIV
Jesus had told Peter that he would turn his back on him before the rooster crowed. He told him that he would deny being one of Jesus' followers. Peter loved Jesus. He did not believe that he would ever deny him. But, he did.

We often come up with deceptions in order to protect ourselves. It really doesn't matter who we might hurt; as long as we protect our own skins. We do it, just as Peter did, without any real forethought. We don't always plan it. We may not even want to. It just happens. The denial comes slipping out between our teeth and it is done before we realize what we are doing. The denial of who and what we are or have done is a dangerous thing. It endangers others as well as ourselves.

I remember a saying that I use to hear a lot (probably when I was more closely related to the U.S. Marine Corps): "If it is worth doing, it is worth dying for." I would change or add to that a little: "If it is worth believing, it is worth dying for."

Peter was out to save himself that early morning. He was afraid. Jesus was out to save the world. He died doing what he believed was right for you and me, according to the will of our Father. In the end, Peter, too, died for what he believed. Peter's love for Jesus overcame his fear of persecution and death.

Before the sun rises and the rooster crows ask yourself if (how) you have betrayed Jesus lately? Have you betrayed Jesus by keeping silent? Have you betrayed him by denying him? Have you sat back and done nothing while others are persecuted? There is a quote (by I believe Edmond Burke) that says: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

Peter was a relatively good man in the eyes of the world. But, he hid in the darkness while Jesus stood trial. He stood back and watched while Jesus was crucified for him. May God help us all to step out into the light, who is Jesus the Christ. May God grant us the wisdom and courage to proclaim the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

John 16:1-15 Killing Christians

John 16:1-15 NIV
Jesus' prophecy has been fulfilled and is even now being fulfilled. He warned that there it come to pass that there would be those with the false belief that if they kill Christians they will be doing a service to God. That is what happed to his many of his first followers, including most of the original disciples. There are many, even today, who are killing Christians with this false belief that they are doing a service to God.

The cross is not so easy to bear as some would think. It is more than just putting up with annoying people. It is not having to show up at church on Sunday or helping your neighbor. If we think our crosses are those annoying little interruptions of the day, we should think again. As we take up our cross and follow him, we will find that at the end of the path is death. (And... then, thanks be to God is eternal life) But, Jesus told us many things that would help us to bear up our crosses and follow him. He warned us of the hatred that would come toward his followers so that we would not be unprepared for it. We would know, in advance, what was coming. Then, he did even more. He sent the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth. The Spirit of Truth will guide us in the way in which we should go. Trust the Spirit of Christ. Do not be afraid. He is with you now and always - through life and death and life!

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 12:12-19 Follow and Sing Hosanna!

John 12:12-19 NIV
Jesus is exalted by the crowd on his way into Jerusalem. They went out to meet him, shouting: "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"

No one really understands the significance of all this. But, they are excited. The Pharisees are excited, too. They need to figure out a way to turn this all around. They need to figure out a way to turn the people against Jesus; to abandon him; to quit following him around. And, they will! By the end of the week, the crowd will not be shouting, "Hosanna!" They will be shouting, "Crucify him!"

Crowds can be fickle. They can be led in any direction quite easily as the heat of the moment carries them away. Like sheep led astray; they may follow for awhile; but, when pastures seem a bit greener elsewhere, they leave the shepherd and follow the crowd. Sometimes, they might even choose to stay with the crowd in a dried out and dead field rather than seek green pastures with the shepherd, simply because they are afraid to move. They might think that there is security in numbers so they abandon the only one who can keep them safe. 

May God grant that you should never turn against him; but, follow him always singing praises; singing Hosanna! Do not be afraid, your king has come and he will come again.

God's Peace,

Pr. J

John 6:16-21 It Is I; Don't Be Afraid

John 6:16-21 NIV
Who would not be a bit afraid if you were out in the storm and someone came walking up to your boat on the water? The disciples were just that; frightened. But, Jesus speaks to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." The recognize his voice and they let him in the boat.

A friend posted on Facebook this morning a picture of Jesus with the caption "Open Your Heart and Let Him In." She posted, "I would definitely let Jesus in." She would and I am sure she already has. But, some people may have a problem letting Jesus into their small boat or through their front door is that they have no clue who this Jesus of ours is. They may have heard of him, but they wouldn't recognize his voice if he spoke to them because they don't know him. There is a difference between knowing who Jesus is and knowing Jesus. Knowing Jesus is about having a relationship with him. His sheep will hear his voice and answer. His friends will hear his voice and answer.

Lois is absolutely correct. Answer the door and let him in so that you might have a relationship with the living God; the Almighty God, our LORD and Savior. Do not be afraid. Let him into your boat or open the door and let him in.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 12:22-34 God Provides

Luke 12:22-34
It has been a long winter, but I believe it's finally over for a few months. The birds have returned and they are busy living life. The geese and ducks are busy saying good morning outside my back door. Quite a bit of music they make in the mornings. Robins had returned before the snow had even left the ground this year. I would have thought they might have starved to death with no ground to eat from. Yet, they survived. God somehow managed to provide for them.

Jesus told his disciples that they are not to worry about their lives. They are to trust their Father to provide for their earthly needs. They are to seek his kingdom and the things they need will be provided. He said, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (vs 32-34)

Where is your heart today? Is it focused on things of this world or the Kingdom of God that has been promised to you by the shedding of our Saviour's blood? Our Father has blessed us abundantly in this world; what more could we want than to live in His presence; singing his praises with even the geese and the ducks?

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. This is a link to the songs of joy I heard last night :) A pleasure to hear! Creation sings for joy. Summer is finally here! (You will have to view in full screen if you want to see as well as hear.)
 

Luke 2:1-20 - The One Who Brings Peace

Luke 2:1-20 NIV
Fear not! Don't be afraid! We read an awful lot in scripture that we are not to fear. We are not to be anxious about anything. Angels showing up and bringing you a message of peace actually would probably cause a little anxiety just in the fact that angels have shown themselves to you.

Yet, in the midst of anxious times, we can have peace. The angels proclaimed to the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2: 14) This peace that God brings is kind of amazing. As we grow in the LORD, we will find that we do know a sense of peace no matter what kind of chaos is around us. It may still be troubling, but we can be at peace knowing that God has a good plan for it all.

A few years ago, I was in the pulpit preaching as usual on a Sunday morning. All of a sudden, I could no longer read my notes. All that I could see was a white light and light shadows of people sitting in the pews. It was a bit disconcerting. But, I did not panic. I kept on preaching, even as St. Paul's vision that brought him to repentance and to follow Jesus came to my mind. I wondered if maybe there was something I needed to repent of even as I kept on preaching; everyone around me unaware of what I was seeing. I was a little anxious about the situation; but, at the same time at peace knowing that God was with me and there was a good purpose for it all. I just didn't know what. I went to the eye specialist that week and was told that I had eye strokes due to the steroid that was in the medication (Advair) for my COPD. I got off the prescription medication and am taking only an herbal, all natural medication. Lo and behold, there was a good purpose. My breathing has improved greatly.

The point is sometimes things happen in our lives that might cause a little anxiety; but, we should know that God is with us and in that knowledge we can know peace no matter what is going on in our lives. Can you imagine a pregnant young woman and the man she was engaged to traveling cross country to sign up to pay taxes? When they get to their destination there is no place for them to stay so they stay in a barn where the baby is born. Can you imagine sitting in a field with the guys watching the sheep settle in for the night and you have this heavenly host singing in the heavens? I'm thinking it was probably, at least, a little unsettling. Yet, the shepherds listen to the angel and go and see this baby that is to bring peace to the world.

Anxiety and peace - sometimes you can have them almost simultaneously. Being anxious about something is human nature; yet, in the midst of anxiety, we can know that God is with us and we can know His peace. Thanks be to God!
God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 1:1-38 Angels' Message

Luke 1:1-38 NIV
Angels went to the parents of John and Jesus to tell them that they would have these children. Can you imagine? Can you imagine the fear that might grip you if an angel of the LORD suddenly appeared to bring you a message from God?

Sometimes His Word will cause us fear and trembling at other times and sometimes at the same time it will bring us joy. Zechariah was not only felt fear, he must have felt much joy and relief in knowing that at long last his prayers that he and his wife Elizabeth would finally have a son will finally be answered. I'm not so sure that Mary would have been so joyful with the news of her pregnancy. She would have a lot of obstacles to face. She, after all, is not married, and has a bit of explaining to her fiancée as to how she got pregnant. But, then again, this child, she is told, will be called the Son of God. He will be exalted. That ought to make any mother happy.

Sometimes the Word will bring us joy. Sometimes it will bring us a bit of anxiety. God calls us to follow in ways that we might not choose to go ourselves. I haven't heard of any angels visiting anyone with a message from God, lately. However, He does have a word for each and all of us. We can read His message to us anytime we pick up the Holy Scriptures. We can hear His message to us during Worship. God still speaks to us. His message might be one that maybe we don't want to hear. It might be one we have been longing to hear. No matter what it is, we can know that is for the good of those who love Him. Even as the angel(s) told both Zechariah and Mary, "Do not be afraid..." (Luke 1:13,30) Listen to Him!
God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 15:42-47 Conflict of Interest

Mark 15:42-47 NIV
There was a council member who abstained during the vote of the council of a small congregation. It was concerning the expenditure of about $100.00 for a non-essential item in the church. The budget was very small. The Pastor voted no as a similar item could be purchased for about $10.00 or less, citing poor stewardship. The rest of the council voted for the expenditure. But, this is not about stewardship. It is about why one council member would abstain. It was not a matter of conflict of interest for the council member to vote. Well, I guess there was a conflict of interest. He would not make a decision as a council member in order to stay on the good side of everyone. He simply did not want to offend the Pastor or the rest of the Council by voting against either one so he chose to do nothing. He just wanted to be a nice Lutheran and not offend anyone.

It was the hierarchy in the church that wanted Jesus out of their way. Yet, it was one council member who was willing to put his own life on the line and stand up for Jesus. Jesus was dead, so how was he going to know if Joseph of Arimathea stood by him? But, Joseph had hope in the Kingdom and it was important to Joseph that Jesus have a proper burial. He went to Pilate, knowing full well that the Council would find out, and asked for Jesus' body so that he could give Jesus' body a proper burial. Joseph was not afraid to do what he felt was right. Neither fear of Pilate or the other council members could keep him from doing what he felt he should and must do.

May God help us to do the right thing and not be afraid of what others will think of us or do to us when we stand up for Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 6:1-13 Pigs or Jesus?

 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”
 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.”  And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. (Mark 5:6-10 NIV)

It seems to be that in the Gospel of Mark, it is the demons who recognize Jesus. They recognize that he is the Son of God and has power over them. They beg him to allow them to enter into a herd of about 2000 pigs. This herd of about 2000 then rush over a steep bank and drown themselves in a lake.

You would think, the people would be happy that these 2000 demons were no longer in their presence. They were no longer torturing the man that they had come out of. But, no! They are not happy. They want Jesus to go away. The man who was healed of the demons is pretty happy though. He recognizes who this Jesus is and he wants to follow him. Jesus said no. "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." (Mark 5:19)

The demons recognize the power of God in Jesus and are afraid. The man who was healed recognized his power and honored him, wanting to follow him. But, the people who were afraid because personal property, pigs, were lost wanted nothing to do with him.  

When was the last time we chose unclean personal property over Jesus?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 28 - Go And Tell

Upon arriving at the tomb, the two Marys an angel of the Lord sitting on the stone that had been used to seal the tomb. But, now the tomb is no longer sealed. Jesus is not there. He is risen and on his way to Galilee! The women are a bit fearful, but filled with joyful excitement, as the angel tells them to go and tell the disciples what has happened. The guards are also there. They appear to be in some sort of shock at the sight of the angel and the empty tomb.

Mary and Mary meet Jesus as the hurry to tell the disciples what they have heard and seen. "Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (Matt 28:10 NIV) Go and tell!

The guards go and tell the chief priests what they have seen and heard. The chief priests respond by telling the guards to go and tell everyone that you fell asleep on guard duty and Jesus' followers came and stole his body. The chief priests, a bit fearful of the truth that Jesus had taught would continue on and change their lives forever, wanted the truth stopped. Go and tell! Go and tell a lie!

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt 28:16-20)

Go and tell! We all share stories of our lives of our loves and of our fears. What is the story you share with others? Without sharing the story of Jesus life on earth; his gift of life to us; how can disciples be made? Go and tell!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ezekiel 2 - Do Not Be Afraid

Do not be afraid to speak to the people... This was God's word to Ezekiel when He called him to be his prophet. Well, I guess not! Who would be afraid of people once you have come face to face with God; once His Spirit has filled you and stood you up on your feet; when God has sent you?

Do not be afraid to tell the world of our awesome and mighty God; to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ. God is with you. In baptism, He has anointed you with the Holy Spirit. He has called you as His child and sends you to proclaim His love and His desire for all people to be, to live life, in His presence. Do not be afraid. God is with you! Proclaim the Good News!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Isaiah 43 - I Am With You.

The LORD tells Israel, He tells us: "Do not be afraid, for I am with you..." (Isa 43:5 NIV) He promises release from bondage. He promises redemption. He promises salvation.

"Do not be afraid, for I am with you..." How often we need to hear those words! Do not be afraid. God is with you. We often find ourselves in bondage to a variety of issues we are struggling to figure and work out for ourselves or someone we love. Maybe it's financial difficulties or an illness that may not have a known remedy or one that can't even be diagnosed that makes us feel like we are bearing a yoke too heavy to bear.

It sometimes feels as though we are lost in a thick forest with no signs of a path to lead us out. We find ourselves journeying through the wilderness and feeling like we are making that journey quite alone.  Be not afraid. You are not alone. The LORD, who created and redeemed you has not deserted you. He is with you. The word of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior, promises this.

God is with you and may He help you to know and recognize the peace that is with His presence (that is His presence). God's Peace - Pr. J