The last few months of my life have involved a range of emotions. I’m excited about hitting the road again to do some Third Day shows. But it’s a farewell tour. Definitely a bittersweet kind of thing. I’m mainly trying to focus on the positive, that we’re celebrating an amazing 25 plus year career. It has truly been amazing to see how God’s dreams for us are so much bigger than the dreams we have for ourselves, if we just get out of the way and let him work.
If I’m honest with myself though, there’s another feeling that pops up from time to time.
Fear.
As I close this chapter of my career with Third Day and move into what’s next, it feels like I’m standing on the brink of something. Usually I feel like it’s the brink of an exciting new chapter. But sometimes, when doubt starts creeping in, it feels more like the brink of a big cliff I’m about to drive over.
During this time, a single phrase keeps popping into my head. It’s a phrase repeated many times in the Bible and one that has helped me through many a difficult time. I love the phrase so much that I’ve written two or three songs based around it.
Do not be afraid.
Lately I’ve been reading a book by Jonathan Martin called How to Survive a Shipwreck. He has an interesting take on this. Martin says that God speaks these words “when he is about to do something new”.
I genuinely believe that God is doing something new during this season of my life. I don’t know exactly what that will be. But I know that I felt a call on my life when I was a teenager – that God wanted me to use music to encourage people and tell them about Him. I also have long felt a calling to write words – books and devotions and blog posts – for the same reason. I’m going to keep doing those things, using what God has given me, until he calls me home or tells me to do something else.
I could look at my surroundings and focus on my fear. Or I could look at God and focus on Him. That’s what I’m choosing to do.
Do not be afraid.
I’ve written a new song called Do Not Be Afraid for my debut EP, Unshakable Heart. Here are some of the lyrics:
Here I stand at the edge of the unknown
The road ahead is overwhelming
I wonder is it too late to turn around?
All my life you have led me, you have shown
You have spoken, you’re never silent
Lord I hear you speaking to me now
Do not be afraid
There is no fear in love
Don’t let your heart be troubled
Cast your cares on the Lord above
And do not be afraid, anymore
— Mark Lee