Fear, at its core, is an emotional response to a perceived threat—one that often fills us with unease or anxiety. In the Bible, the word "fear" appears 316 times in the King James Version, a number that immediately reminds us of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This profound connection reveals a powerful truth: even in the midst of fear, God’s love is present and unchanging. The first appearance of fear in Scripture is found in Genesis 3:10 when Adam, after sinning, confesses, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked." Sin led Adam to fear and hide from God, disrupting the intimacy they once shared. This narrative invites us to reflect--How do we respond when God’s word reveals our shortcomings?
In our lives today, the Word of God continues to expose the hidden corners of our hearts. Some, like those in church who feel personally addressed by God’s truth, are moved to repentance and draw closer to Him. Others, however, respond with offense or retreat, their fear causing them to hide. Which do you identify with more? When the Word reveals the truth about your heart, do you seek God in humility, or do you shrink back in fear and self-preservation? Psalm 34:4 reminds us of the path we are called to take: “I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” God’s love and deliverance are ever-present for those willing to trust Him with their fears and surrender fully.
Abraham’s journey offers us a great example of faith overcoming fear. Despite moments of faltering faith—such as lying to protect himself—Abraham ultimately trusted God with what was most precious to him: his son, Isaac. His faith was perfected through his willingness to surrender completely to God’s will (James 2:22). We are called to a similar trust. Whether it’s our family, career, or deepest desires, surrendering our anxieties to God allows Him to guard what we entrust to Him (2 Timothy 1:12). Fear doesn’t have to paralyze us; it can propel us into seeking God through prayer, worship, and faithful action. Today, let your fear be a catalyst to trust. Cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). What is God asking you to surrender today? Take that step of faith, knowing He is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

*This blog was inspired by the conversation and notes led by Luis Chavarria at Men's Life Group on 11/16/2024

I have always loved the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:9-16.  It is a powerful reminder of how faith sustains us in times of deep sorrow and unanswered prayers. Year after year, she carried the burden of childlessness, facing taunts from her rivals and misunderstanding from those around her. Her pain was so intense, her sorrow relentless. Yet, in the midst of her anguish, Hannah chose a path that teaches us how to navigate our own struggles: she poured her heart out before God.
Hannah’s prayer in the temple wasn’t polished or composed. It was raw, honest, and deeply vulnerable. She didn’t explain or justify her pain; she simply brought it to the only One who could truly understand it. Her prayer reminds us that we don’t need to have the right words or the perfect explanation for our suffering. God invites us to come as we are—burdened, broken, and in need of His presence.
What stands out in Hannah’s story is her unwavering trust in God’s faithfulness, even without knowing how her suffering would resolve. Her confidence wasn’t in an immediate answer but in the assurance that God hears and sees her.
​This kind of faith is a challenging for us today, especially when we are tempted to demand quick solutions or clear explanations.

And when God grants her a son (Samuel), Hannah responds not with pride or entitlement but with profound praise:
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“There is no Holy One like the Lord, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” (1 Samuel 2:2)

Hannah’s song of praise reveals her heart—a heart that recognizes God’s sovereignty and goodness, not just in the blessing but in the journey that led to it.

Her story invites us to ask:
How do we respond to the trials in our own lives?
Do we lean into God’s presence, trusting that He hears us even when we don’t have answers?
Are we willing to pour ourselves out before Him in honest prayer?
Will we praise God even when we don’t get what we ask for?

So how we can draw strength from Hannah’s example?
When we face struggles, let us remember that worship and trust are not reserved for moments of success or victory but are vital in the midst of our trials. Hannah shows us that even in our deepest pain, there is a way to respond faithfully: to pour out our souls before God, trusting in His goodness, and lifting our voices in praise for who He is.
May we, like Hannah, find our hope and refuge in the Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer.
Let us come together, supporting one another in prayer, and reminding each other of God’s faithfulness through every season of life.

With love,
Pastor Temo Rios

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” — Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV)
Reflection:
Jesus’ teaching on prayer brings us back to the heart of a relationship with God. Here, He contrasts true prayer with empty, attention-seeking displays. The challenge is straightforward yet profound: Do we come before God seeking His presence or the approval of others? Are our prayers genuine conversations or performative speeches?
When Jesus says to go into your room and close the door, He invites us to a place of intimacy. In the quiet, where there are no eyes on us but God’s, we find the authenticity that Jesus desires. True prayer doesn’t require many words or grand gestures; it’s about humbling ourselves and being honest before God. He knows our needs before we even speak, and He welcomes us as we are.
Prayer is a deep conversation with a God who sees us, knows us, and loves us in every moment, even the quiet ones. Jesus calls us to a relationship that values depth over display, connection over perfection.
Application:
Today, find a moment to retreat into a quiet place. It doesn’t have to be a literal room with a door; it can be a pause in your day, a step away from distractions. Take a deep breath, set aside any agenda, and simply speak to God. Share what’s truly on your heart—whether it’s a celebration, a worry, or a confession. Know that in that quiet, hidden space, God listens with love and meets you with grace.
Prayer:
Lord, teach us to value the secret place where we can be truly ourselves before You. Help us to seek You above all else, trusting that You know us and our needs better than we even know ourselves. Draw us into deeper intimacy and simplicity in prayer, that we might experience Your presence and love more fully. In Jesus name, amen.