Weekly Newsletter Feb. 3
Does Whistling Keep Away Fear?
I Don’t Know, But Jesus Does!
Late one hot summer night, my family needed some ice cream. Mom gave me some money and sent me walking to the convenience store just down the road.
As a confident eight-year old, I started out bravely. My eyes focused on the only two lights I could see. One behind me at my back porch, getting farther away. The other one lit up my goal: the little store with the ice cream.
The only barrier between me and my ice cream was a long dark country road. A lonely pasture stretched out on one side of the road. On the other side was a neighbor’s house. It lay hidden underneath tall maple trees whose branches reached like greedy fingers across the road and over my head. My old neighbor must have been in bed already because everything was dark. My path was now lit up only with the dim blue hue of the moon. And it even looked scary, like the tip of a bony old man’s fingernail.
A heavy humid breeze pressed my cheeks and pushed the tall weeds in the pasture. They waved wave back and forth like a stranger wanting my attention. I suddenly imagined something scary. I knew all the farm animals were quiet in the barn, so I imagined some other kind of horrible creature crouching in the grass. I started to sweat as the hairs on the back of my neck stood stiff. I quickened my pace and slapped my black Convers sneakers on the hot pavement. Surely, I thought, the noise would scare away all danger.
I also began to whistle. Slowly and loudly. That gave my ears something to focus on instead of the rustling weeds and the evil lurking behind every leaf. Finally, I made it to the store. Whew!
“Wimpy” sat behind the counter ready to lock-up because it was nearly closing time. I think his real name was Robert, but everyone called him “Wimpy.” I have no idea why. He didn’t look wimpy to me. I was just a kid.
“We need some ice cream,” I blurted as I panted, catching my breath. I picked out a half-gallon box of ice cream, probably butter-pecan, paid Wimpy and headed back up the street with a lot more confidence. Now I was a survivor and thought surely nothing could get me on the way back home. After all, I had an important task. My family was counting on me. Get home before the ice cream melts. Purpose is empowering!
I remembered that experience when I read about King David in the Bible. David was in a battle. Enemies surrounded him. He cried out to God:
The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
Then I will hold my head high
above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
singing and praising the Lord with music.
Psalm 27:4-6
David knew something I had not yet learned when I was 8. Jesus is far better than whistling and running to keep fears away. Jesus does protect and comfort. Place your trust in God through faith in Jesus. He is the one who connects us with God’s almighty power, everlasting love, and hope the endures all circumstances.
Dear Jesus, we face many fears every day. We need your help. A whistle is okay. But you are much better. Remind us to call out to you, like King David did. When we do, you will forgive, guide, and protect us from all harm. Give us faith to trust in you today. Amen.
Roger Frederick
Lead Pastor
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