Isaiah 51:12-13 “Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men, who are but grass that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction?”

Every time I turn on the television there is someone telling me how unsafe we are and how it is someone else’s fault. Terrorism is all we hear about, unless of course we’re hearing about war and how that breeds terrorism. Terror, fear, shootings, disasters…even the haven that used to be the Weather Channel has a special series about possible mega-disasters called “It could happen tomorrow.” Great. Whose idea was that? Do we need more fear in our lives?

Since the only election tactic on either side seems to be making us realize that we are completely vulnerable and likely to be blown up if we vote for the other party, the above words from Isaiah seemed to leap off the page. “What are you doing being fearful of mere mortals?” God asks. “Have you forgotten who’s in charge here? Did any terrorist lay the foundations of the earth or set the stars in their courses? Why do you cower in fear of those who are bent on destruction?”

Well, we might argue…it’s that destruction part we’re not so fond of. We would really rather not be blown to little bits, and if God is really in charge, shouldn’t God be doing something about it?

It’s a good question, and God’s answer takes the long view. God will one day stop the destruction and put new creation in its place. While here in the middle chapters, we are reaping the consequences of the abuse of our human freedom, the final pages will bring justice and show the powers of destruction to be a mere puff of smoke, blown easily away by the first creative breath of God.

There are times when I get caught up in smallness. I am just worried about what is going to happen to me and those I know and love. If I am safe, I think little about those who are not. If I am in danger, I’ll do anything I can to get out, even if it puts future generations at risk.

But when I pull back and take God’s long view, I feel more peace. Maybe I won’t see God’s ultimate justice while still in my human body. Maybe I’ll see a day when my own hometown looks like Baghdad. But terrorists are mere mortals bent on destruction, and I have cast the lot of my soul with the God who made heaven and earth. Yes, I must find ways to lessen the harm that terrorists cause; but I must think of that strategy with a look to the future and not just with a look to whether I personally benefit. “What should it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul?” Jesus asks. When I signed on with Jesus, I gave up my life anyway. My soul is hid with God. There is nothing a terrorist can truly take from me.

Say no to fear. We make bad decisions when we are fearful; we can’t think clearly. Don’t forget your Maker who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. Even in the midst of war, be at peace. Love, love, love…even our enemies.

God who created and is creating, help us to leave fear behind and find our peace in you. Amen.

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