Of Whom Shall We Be Afraid?--April 17, 2019

A tree planted by water sends out its roots by the stream;

it does not fear when heat comes--its leaves stay green.

In a drought it is not anxious; it continues to bear fruit.

You, O Christ, are our light and our salvation--

our Living Water; whom shall we fear?

You are the stronghold of our lives,

of whom shall we be afraid?

Teach us to walk in your light, lest darkness overtake us.

We will not worry, but with prayer, supplication, and

thanksgiving we will make our needs known to God,

whose peace will guard our hearts and minds in you.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 5; 147:1-11; 27; 51

Jer. 17:5-10, 14-18

Phil. 4:1-13

John 12:27-36

Selected Verses

Ps. 27:1

 The LORD is my light and my salvation;
          whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
          of whom shall I be afraid?

Jer. 17:8

[Those who trust in the LORD] shall be like a tree planted by water,
          sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes,
          and its leaves shall stay green;
in the year of drought it is not anxious,
          and it does not cease to bear fruit.

Phil. 4:5-7

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

John 12:35a

Jesus said to [the crowd], "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you.  …"