Freedom From Fear

The processions today continue to move through more of the surrounding communities. The firecracker palanquins go swinging with them. Then tonight, people will continue to cross the bridge in the Koi Han ritual, seeking to leave misfortune behind.

It’s easy to watch ceremonies like this and see only what is unusual, but try seeing the person crossing the bridge.

• Maybe she’s worried about the health of her child.
• Maybe his business is struggling and he doesn’t want to tell his family.
• Maybe they’re afraid of something they believe is following them spiritually.
• Maybe they simply don’t want another year like the one they just had.

Fear has a thousand different faces, and many here live under its rule.

Read — Mark 5:1–20

The man Jesus met among the tombs was living under heavy spiritual oppression. Yet, Jesus wasn’t intimidated by what held him. By the end, the man who had been tormented was sitting peacefully, clothed, and in his right mind.

Today, pray for the people living under and with spiritual fear.

Pray for those who feel they must continually do something to keep themselves or their families safe.

Pray for minds that are clear and real freedom.

Pray for the Ma Song (spiritual mediums). Don’t let them become merely the shocking images of physical mutilation which are often photographed during the festival. They are real, individual men and women. They have names, families, histories and hopes. One runs the motorcycle shop near our home (yes, really!).

Jesus loves them too.

Jesus, bring freedom and peace where there is fear.