There is a variance of the phrase “Do Not Be Afraid” in the Bible for every day of the year! God must have thought it was pretty important that we not be afraid and trust in Him. I am wondering why as much as I say I love the Lord, read and study scripture and believe in the Gospel, that this does not come easy for me.
Today in the Gospel of John 6:16-21, the disciples of Jesus are in a boat without him, the wind is stirring and strongly blowing. The passage says they rowed about 3 or 4 miles but doesn’t mention that they were afraid until they saw Jesus walking on the water. Jesus tells them, “It is I, do not be afraid.”
I am not sure where I am going with this thought. I do not think I am afraid of Jesus as I see my Lord and Savior as a most merciful, loving God. I think what I am most afraid of is me. I know I am capable of doing anything evil without God’s grace and my cooperation with it. In that regard, it is very difficult to not be afraid of myself and my sinful actions.
Faith and a boost of trust is my prayer today. I am nothing without you Lord and have proven that too many times in my life. I am yours now; help me to not be afraid. Amen.
Seeking To Reflect Jesus 
You began quite a train of thoughts for me, Mike. I find that in an area I have fought a battle and won is now much easier to not be afraid. Then I go into a different area and fear tries to grip me. Reading the Word and being fear free should be the same thing. An area to work on that I hadn’t realized.
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Yes Lisa! Being a competitor, I think I have never won the battle as temptations seem to always arise. But as I look where I am today vs the past, I like where God is taking me and somehow, whether I am aware or not, I must be trusting him.
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As long as our heart is all His, we will always get closer. With His help we will get there. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
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I was thinking of lack of trust and fear going hand in hand. Not to say lack of trust in God, but lack of trust in ourselves to not be afraid of God and His plan for us. Such a tightrope.
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Thanks Lois! Tightrope is a very good analogy.
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,Let us all trust in God. It is true that sometimes fear seems to grip us – we are humans! However, we are reminded, (Joshua Chapter 1, verse 9) “Have I not commanded you? Be Strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” These words apply to us as well, because God has promised us that He will be with us until the end of times.
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Another assurance of God’s Protection is Psalm 91)Verses from 1-16, all speak of God’s protection and a reason for us to eliminate destructive fear. I will just quote verses 14-16 : “I rescue all who cling to me, I protect whoever knows my name, I answer everyone who invokes me, I am with them when they are in trouble; I bring them safety and honour. I give them life, long and full, and show them how I can save.” These few lines are good testimony of God’s Protection, so we need not fear. However, reading the Psalm from verse 1-16 gives us more insight. God Bless you all. Mary
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Your prayer definitely resonates my heart. And there is a part of me that wants to expect the worst and not the best of Christ’s intentions. I know nothing can separate me from His love but but how about His “like”? Satan’s accusing become hard to ignore when my flesh feels it has to put me on time out and punish me good until I’ve paid enough for my misbehavior. That’s why I find Graham Cooke’s message of God’s absolute delight in me such a healing balm to my soul. He is a good, good God. That’s what He is.
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Thank you for sharing and I so agree, he is a good, good God!
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