Do Not Be Afraid

Don’t be afraid,” I tell myself. “Don’t have those irrational fears.” Don’t be scared of bugs, heights, crowds; eliminate those phobias. When I was feeling happy, hopeful, surrounded by friends, “Do not be afraid” sounded so simple and easy. But beyond the phobias is a fear deep inside I don’t understand. The fear that keeps me up at night. Fear of the dark and of the evil of the world. Of rejection, death, the future, and being alone. How can I tell myself not to fear when I can’t take the fear away? “Do not be afraid,” Jesus tells me, and reminds me why. He is the light of the world. He defeated sin and death, and He will be with me, No matter what the day or the night brings. He doesn’t just tell me, “Don’t be afraid,” He tells me I don’t have to because He has overcome. He did not just tell me not to fear the storm, He calmed the storm in front of me. • Abby Ciona • What has Jesus’ love done to fear (Hebrews 2:14-15)? • Even King David experienced fear (Psalm 56:3). What did David do when he was afraid? • Do you have fears you can’t seem to shake? Many of us do, and God didn’t intend for us to walk alone through our struggles. Who is a trusted Christian you can talk to about feeling afraid? • If you’re feeling overwhelmed by fear or troubling thoughts, and you aren’t sure who to talk to, you can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Psalm 23:4a (NIV)

Read Verses:

Psalms 46:1-11; 27:1-14; Matthew 8:23-27