NO Fear

In the presence of pain we seek explanation.
In the absence of explanation we seek blame.
In the absence of blame we seek retribution.
In the absence of retribution we seek security.
In the absence of security we seek shelter.
In the absence of shelter we seek to conquer.
Unable to conquer we lose hope and reside in fear.

-          In the absence of God!

In the presence of God we have a creator (Gen 1:1; Is 40:28) who made all, sees all and has a plan (Eph 3:9).
In the presence of God we have a father who loves (John 3:16), understands and protects us (Ps 91:14).
In the presence of God we have a judge who not only holds us accountable (Is 33:22), but will judge those who have wronged us (Job 13:16, Rev 20).
In the presence of God we have salvation in Jesus Christ (1Thes 5:9); salvation from our own inequities (Rom 6:23), salvation from the world and the pain within (Ps 7, Ps 12), salvation for eternity with our Father (Heb 5:9).
In the presence of God we have an advocate in the Holy Spirit; that leads us (Ps 143:10), teaches us (John 14:26), guides us (John 16:13), comforts us (Acts 9:31), intercedes for us (Rom 8:26).

There is still pain; with God we find comfort.
There are still struggles; with God there is an end.
There are still obstacles; in God there is hope.
There is still evil; with God we have protection.

Fear?   Not in the presence of God!

Now we worship!