Are You Afraid?

 “Say to them that are of a fearful heart: Be strong, fear not; behold your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense, He will come and save you.” Isaiah 35:4

What do you fear? Or more precisely, what do you fear most? Is it your family’s well-being? Job security? Illness? The world’s current condition? The future for yourself and generations that follow? Though these issues are crucial, they should not rob you of peace with God. Shortly before leaving this world, Jesus spoke comforting words to His disciples, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27. Jesus prepared them for His coming cruel death and departure, to not fear what would happen and the days to follow. He speaks the same message today in some form of the phrase, “fear not,” which covers every day of the year, including leap year. God knows; God sees; God provides—God cares. He has not missed nor ignored one event in your life or the world.

Isaiah’s message tells us to stand firm fearlessly, trusting in God to intervene righteously and avenge injustices. As born-again believers, we belong to God. We are His children. His Holy Spirit lives within each of us; He is already with us, so why would He need to “come” to us? When we need saving from life’s adversities, we must cry out to our Savior for daily saving. It is then that He comes to save us, meet and rescue us in our time of need.

Peter stepped out of the boat and bravely walked on the raging waters to meet Jesus on the sea but began sinking when he shifted his gaze from the Maker of the waves and focused on the storm. As he cried out for help, Jesus went to Peter, met him in his need, and saved him. The disciples then worshiped Jesus, acknowledging Him as the Son of God (Matthew 14:22–33). Are you afraid today? This same Jesus will meet you in every storm you face. Be strong; you need not fear. Cry out to your Savior; He is nearby.