Laura Bennet – Author

What do you see when you look at the picture on the left? Animal? Zombie? Evil monster? Seems a little scary, right?

Below is the actual picture. The bigger picture. The reality.

When we look at something so close that everything around it fades out, all we see is a distorted view of reality. The truth here is that the evil looking monster in the first picture was simply a close up view of a cute little bunny eating in a garden with red-eye from my camera.

The world view of current events is like looking at the first picture instead of the second one.

Not to say that there is no danger at all.

That bunny could have bitten me if I’d been able to get too close. It might have had rabies or fleas. I’m careful when taking pictures of wildlife. Whether rabbits or alligators, it’s wise to use common sense.

But I also don’t run from the bunny because it might pose a distant threat.

I think you get the picture. (Pun intended.)

Our perspective breeds fear if we get too tunnel-visioned. Fear breeds more fear. Like yeast making dough rise, every few hours the dough has doubled. Unless we punch it down, it will take over.

It’s amazing how uplifting it is to simply turn off the news and take a walk outside with a little fresh air and sunshine. (Even in snow for some.)

God promises good for us. He does not want to harm us, only draw us closer to him. (Jeremiah 29:11) But the world is filled with evil so we will have trouble. (John 16:33) The good news is that Jesus is our hope, gives us peace and makes a way for us to live well in turbulent times. When we understand God’s incredible love for us, fear is cast far away. (I John 4:18) We can believe that God’s got our back. He’s our refuge if we run to him and don’t choose to focus on the blow up of the small picture. (Psalm 62:8) All we have to do is acknowledge him as God and our Savior. (Philippians 2:11)

Let’s be wise. Be safe. But not let fear make us fretful or frantic.