Whom Should I Fear

Heavenly Father I praise You for listening to my prayers. I praise You that You trust me enough to be a part of Your plan and that I get to help build Your kingdom here on the earth. I praise You for how You consider my situation and my heart when deciding what I need to do day by day.

Lord, You are my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? Lord, You are the stronghold of my life—whom should I dread? When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell. Though an army deploys against me, my heart will not be afraid; though a war breaks out against me, I will still be confident. I have asked one thing from You Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in Your presence, with Your Spirit inside of me, O Lord all the days of my life, gazing on Your beauty Lord and seeking Him as my body is His temple. For You will conceal me in Your shelter in the day of adversity; You will hide me under the cover of Your tent; You will set me high on a rock. Then my head will be high above my enemies around me; I will offer my life as a living sacrifice in Your world with shouts of joy. I will sing and make music for You. Lord, hear my voice when I call; be gracious to me and answer me. My heart says this about You: “Seek His face.” Lord, I will seek Your face. Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or abandon me, God of my salvation. Even if my father and mother abandon me, You care for me. Because of my adversaries, show me Your way, Lord, and lead me on a level path. Do not give me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses who rise against me, breathing violence. I am certain that I will see Your goodness in the land of the living. I will wait for You, Lord; I will be strong, and I will keep letting my heart be courageous. I will wait for You, Lord. [Paraphrased from Psalm 27]

The end of all things is near. Therefore, I need to be clear-minded and self-controlled so that I can pray. Above all, we need to love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. I will offer hospitality to others without grumbling. I will use whatever gift I have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. When I speak, I should do it as one speaking the very words of God. When I serve, I should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:7-11