836) I have struggled with fear my entire life. When I was small, I can remember watching The Wizard of Oz and just about turning inside out. In adulthood, as I experienced the joys of life, I discovered that in this world, joy is always coupled with pain. The things that matter to us the most; that we love this most in this life, will often bring the greatest pain. Not convinced? Think about that cat or dog you love (d) and how much joy they brought and then, remember, if you dare, what it was like when you lost them.

Sometimes we think that fear and faith should not both be a part of our spiritual life, but I have found that this, too, is an area where they both exist on this earth. In Daniel 6, we read the well-known story of Daniel in the lion’s den. When Daniel found out that because of his faith, he would be thrown to the lions, I’m sure he was afraid–maybe even terrified. Does this mean that he didn’t have faith? I don’t think so.

Faith isn’t the absence of fear, it’s going on step by step, day by day, despite the fear. Have faith.