“For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.” (Psalm 61:3)
Do not always think about your problems, and the negatives in your life. He who has true faith, is never afraid. We never walk alone because God’s love is with us, his son’s grace protects us, the engagement and gift of the Holy Spirit guides us, and God’s blessing encompass us daily.
God gives us power when we receive the Holy Spirit. We cannot forget all these beautiful things God has given us. Sometimes we tend to only think about the problems, troubles, stress, anxiety and fears that surround us. We forget God’s grace, power, blessings, and the works of the Holy Spirit.
Our hearts must be strong, for a person with true faith has a heart full of courage; a heart that does not waver. Do not be afraid of what you hear in the media, or from other people. Our fears are always “they say this” and “they said that,” but all that what is said should not bother you because you have to ask yourself, what does God say?
God says, “behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hand; thy walls are continually before me.” (Isaiah 49:16). God also says, “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very heirs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7).
We are weak, and sometimes we look for stress and anxiety ourselves. We must remind ourselves however, that we always live with God’s protection. If we walk, God always walks with us, if we pray, God hears us, and if we talk, the Holy Spirit talks with us. “O lord open thou my lips and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.” (Psalm 51:15).
Why do we always continue to think about all our problems? Worrying and being afraid day and night? Complaining that we are tired, frustrated, and scared. Why do we do this? God has us engraved us on the palms of his hand! If we walk a road, he walks with us. “…I will always hold thine hand, and will keep thee…” (Isaiah 42:6). We must ask God to hold our hand and take us with him and protect us.
God sends his angles to be with us and minister to us. Saint Paul says in Hebrews 1:14, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
We must have courage and strength and should never be afraid, we should never think the world and all its doors are closed in front of us because God opens, and nobody can close.
— Translated and summarized from a sermon of Pope Shenouda III, his blessings be with us.
Chrism 