Why Are You Afraid?

Our world is full of fear. Wars, earthquakes, terrorists, volcanoes, racial strife, hurricanes, murders, floods, bombs, tornadoes….No wonder we live in fear, dreading the next act of terror, anxious for the coming natural disaster. We know it will come: Where? When? How? Will it affect me or mine? Living on edge, apprehensive, suspicious.

Afraid.

They say there are 365 “Fear not” or “Don’t be afraid” commands or assurances in the Bible—one for every day. Here are 10 spoken by Jesus Himself:

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (Matthew 8:26)

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:10)

Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:36)…and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” (Luke 5:10)

Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” (Luke 8:50)

Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7)

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. (Revelation 1:17)

May the love of God displace the fear that grips us.What about you? What are you afraid of?

C2015 Judy Douglass