My grandchildren reminded me what happens when we live in the clash between two kingdoms. My granddaughter, the meticulous decently-and-in-order one, had just finished setting up the fairy princess wedding scenario when the dinosaurs ventured out of her brother’s castle to try to crash the party. We had a problem -and it involved a lot of volume.

Fear is a nasty weapon. I have seen fear bombs land on quite a few people lately -myself included.

For the Lord your God is living among you.

He is a mighty savior.

He will take delight in you with gladness.

With his love, he will calm all your fears.

He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. (Zephaniah 3:17)

I’ve talked to other people who have had the most bizarre charges laid against them lately.  Folks feel helpless to deal with accusations that are ridiculously unjust, and don’t know how to disarm them. The fear bombs are not from God, but He is neither surprised nor dismayed by them. He invites us to trust Him as He teaches us more about who He wants to be for us in these circumstances. His ways are often the opposite of our natural responses, and  He is excited to show us what He wants to do instead of the plans of the enemy of our souls. The devil’s most effective low-budget weapons are still fear and accusation. Love dismantles fear. Truth sets us free. When we let God carry all our burdens and worries it’s humbling, but empowering at the same time.

All of you should treat each other with humility, for as it says in Proverbs,

 So bow down under God’s strong hand; then when the time comes, God will lift you up. 

Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries.

 Most importantly, be disciplined and stay on guard.

Your enemy the devil is prowling around outside like a roaring lion, just waiting and hoping for the chance to devour someone. 

Resist him and be strong in your faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are fellow sufferers with you. 

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of grace who has called you [to His everlasting presence] through Jesus the Anointed will restore you, support you, strengthen you, and ground you. 

For all power belongs to God, now and forever. Amen.

( 1 Peter 5:5-11)

We need to be careful not to shoot the hostages. As my three-year old grandson pointed out, dinosaurs get lonely and sometimes they need love too. They don’t often get asked to tea in a princess castle because they don’t fit, but a princess can visit theirs.

I think Jesus would approve.