Don't be afraid!

 

DON’T BE AFRAID!

 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27).

 

           

IF YOU REACH BACK into your childhood memories, I’m sure you can retrieve some moment in time when you were afraid. Maybe it was the dark, the potential of monsters under the bed or in the closet, or a thunderstorm. And a well-meaning adult tried to console you with those words, “There’s nothing to be afraid of.” You weren’t convinced.

           

I remember one such experience. It was a stormy night and my parents were out for the evening. My imagination worked exponentially until I believed that the storm had done something awful to my parents and I was convinced that they would never make it home. No words could convince me otherwise. The tears flowed and the babysitter’s words of consolation fell on deaf ears.

           

There was only one cure for my unfounded fears—when mom and dad walked through the front door and held me in their arms. Then and only then were my childish fears assuaged.

           

Jesus promised that the Counselor would come. The Counselor (or Comforter) is now here. He doesn’t just tell us, “Don’t be afraid.” He embraces us. His literal presence is what provides the peace we need.

 

—Mark A. Butcher

 

Realize that you are in God’s embrace today.