Don’t be afraid
“Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine. When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place it won't be a dead end— Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you…”~ Isaiah 43:2-3 MSG
Over and over again the Scriptures remind us that we don't have to live locked in fear. I heard about one mother who was tucking her small son into bed, while a severe thunderstorm was raging outside. The boy was understandably frightened. She was about to turn out the light when a little, trembling voice called out, “Mommy, would you please stay with me all night?” She smiled and gave him a warm, reassuring hug, a kiss on his forehead and then said tenderly, “Sweetie, I can't. I have to sleep in Daddy's room.” There was silence for a moment, then in a shaky voice the boy said, “That big sissy!” Though we live in a dangerous world with ongoing threats to our safety, the Word tells us, “Do not be afraid.” Why? Because God is God and He is with us.
As one of the most powerful Psalms declares:
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging…
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
~ Psalm 46: 1-3 & 10-11 NIV
There is only one true source of security, stability and strength for our lives. Anchor yourself to the Rock and find refuge in our God. Don't be afraid… Stand firm… Be still…God is with us! May we be a people who find peace even in the storms of life and provide help and hope to those who are putting the pieces back together.