Casting Out Fear

It's a strangely wet and warm winter day.

Just moments ago, I was sitting in a restaurant brunching alone. Watching. Thinking.

Micah 7 and the pastor reminded me of God's great faithfulness, love and forgiveness. And I was pondering that goodness.

So much goodness. So much grace.
"How can anyone not love Him?" Words from a dear friend just the other day.
"Who is like the Lord?" Words from Micah to the generations.

I sit. I wait. I taste. I thank.

Thank you for the 3 older ladies dressed in their cutest Sunday clothes, eating brunch, drinking Bloody Mary's, praying corporately to you before their meal. 

Thank you for the married couple maintaining eye contact and conversation as they wait for their food.
Thank you for an attentive waiter and a small table in the corner.
Thank you for the slow, light rain and the slate grey sky.
Thank you for the Word being preached and your Spirit alighting our hearts. 
Thank you for solitude.
Thank you for freedom.
Thank you for beauty.

Thank you for creating things to be delighted in. Thank you for being worthy to be delighted in and captivating me with your goodness, your greatness.
Thank you for love.
Thank you for protection.
Thank you for your Speaking Voice.
Thank you for ears to hear.
Thank you for prayer and an open heart.
Thank you for your faithfulness. That I can see all you have done in scripture mirrored in my life. You never change.
Thank you for acceptance.
Thank you for Presence when I'm alone.

Over the past few days, I had been thinking about writing a post about fear. But you know what 1 John 4:18 tells us casts out fear. I suppose right now I'm rolling in it.

Not because anything external has changed. And certainly God nor His love has. Just my focus. Eucharisteo. To remember, to acknowledge. To give thanks.

What else could happen if we, God's chosen children, stop and gaze at the creator of love and all things good and perfect? When we see Him clearly - even in spite of our wretchedness coming into focus - we can't help but worship Him all the more.