In the face of fear

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” — Matthew 14:27     

I’ll never forget my childhood fear that the clothes thrown on my chair would turn into a shadowy dragon-like figure after my bedroom lights were turned off. My early experience of fear-driven insomnia reminds me that when trouble arrives on the doorstep of life, fear is not our friend. It disables us from moving forward and causes us to shrink from doing what is right — unless we have our eyes fixed on Jesus.

When the disciples faced the raging seas that were threatening to sweep them overboard, Jesus, walking on the water, assured them, “It is I; do not be afraid” (Matt. 14:27). And to His followers who were fearfully locked away in a room after His crucifixion, Jesus appeared and asked, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?” (Luke 24:38). Recognizing the inevitability of trials, He said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The point is clear. Trusting in His presence and power is the antidote to fear.

As the familiar hymn says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace” (Helen Howarth Lemmel. © Renewal 1950, H. H. Lemmel). We can rest peacefully in the knowledge that God is with us. — Joe Stowell                     

Lord, in our weak and fearful moments, remind us that Your love for us  guarantees Your presence with us and Your power against our fears. Teach us to trust in You.

READ: Matthew 14:22-33

Trust the presence and power of Jesus in the midst of life’s storms.