The Wisdom of Ecclesiastes: Do Not Be Afraid

Who is like the wise man?
    And who knows the interpretation of a thing?
Wisdom makes one’s face shine,
    and the hardness of one’s countenance is changed.
Keep the king’s command because of your sacred oath. Do not be terrified; go from his presence, do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he does whatever he pleases. For the word of the king is powerful, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” Whoever obeys a command will meet no harm, and the wise mind will know the time and way. For every matter has its time and way, although the troubles of mortals lie heavy upon them. Indeed, they do not know what is to be, for who can tell them how it will be? No one has power over the wind to restrain the wind, or power over the day of death; there is no discharge from the battle, nor does wickedness deliver those who practice it. All this I observed, applying my mind to all that is done under the sun, while one person exercises authority over another to the other’s hurt. ~ Ecclesiastes 8:1-9

Bran thought about it. "Can a man still be brave if he's afraid?'
'That is the only time a man can be brave." his father told him. ~ George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones


Every matter has its time and way. Or the wind blows where it will. We know this. There is no meaning to it. It happens.
Troubles happen.
Death happens.
And yet in the midst of this we hear the most common call in scripture.
Nothing is said more in all 66 books.
Do not be terrified.
Do not be afraid.
Do not fear.
For in the midst of troubles, winds and death...
In the midst of meaninglessness...
Life happens.
This moment happens.
Now happens.
And that is a gift. 
It can't be taken from you. It is yours. Even when you feel afraid.
What life can you find in the now? What seemingly meaningless thing can give you life and meaning in the present?
The wind blows as it will and no one has power to restrain it.
But breathe it in.
Right now.
And see the gift it gives you.

Prayer: Lord of Life, you give meaning to each and every moment, even when I feel afraid. Help me to catch my breath and notice so that I can step into life fully and courageously. Amen

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