But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, 15but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord.
(1 Peter 3.14-15 NRSV)
Sidney Lanier was a brilliant young poet who lived about a hundred years ago. When Lanier was in his thirties, he developed tuberculosis. He knew he wouldn't live long, for few survived that disease in those days.
He went down to the coast of Glynn County, Georgia and sitting there one day; looking across the marshes, he wrote one of his finest poems, "The Marshes of Glynn." In that poem is this immortal couplet:
As the marsh-hen secretly builds on the watery sod,
Behold, I will build me a nest on the greatness of God.
"You did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship." We are children of the King. Certainly, there are legitimate things in this world to fear, but He is greater than them all. What are you afraid of? Forget about tomorrow and yesterday. Focus on today. Enjoy it to the fullest. Focus on those things you can control, not those you can't. Do the best you can and entrust the rest to God. Focus on your faith not your fears. Think on God's goodness and his power rather than frailties of your own flesh. Do not be enslaved to your fears any longer. Let Him help you break those chains with a new spirit of trust, of hope, of joy, of love. Rejoice in your new identity--sons and daughters of God.
(1 Peter 3.14-15 NRSV)
Sidney Lanier was a brilliant young poet who lived about a hundred years ago. When Lanier was in his thirties, he developed tuberculosis. He knew he wouldn't live long, for few survived that disease in those days.
He went down to the coast of Glynn County, Georgia and sitting there one day; looking across the marshes, he wrote one of his finest poems, "The Marshes of Glynn." In that poem is this immortal couplet:
As the marsh-hen secretly builds on the watery sod,
Behold, I will build me a nest on the greatness of God.
"You did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship." We are children of the King. Certainly, there are legitimate things in this world to fear, but He is greater than them all. What are you afraid of? Forget about tomorrow and yesterday. Focus on today. Enjoy it to the fullest. Focus on those things you can control, not those you can't. Do the best you can and entrust the rest to God. Focus on your faith not your fears. Think on God's goodness and his power rather than frailties of your own flesh. Do not be enslaved to your fears any longer. Let Him help you break those chains with a new spirit of trust, of hope, of joy, of love. Rejoice in your new identity--sons and daughters of God.
