jesus and fear
"Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not!" —Isaiah 35:4
When you see a frightened child, your heart goes out to him or her with compassion. This is a shadow of our heavenly Father's love poured out on those struggling and fearful. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves" (Ps 34:19). He wants to free you from the slavery of fear (Heb 2:14-15) and give you a peace beyond understanding (Phil 4:7).
"Is it possible that He Who did not spare His Own Son but handed Him over for the sake of us all will not grant us all things besides?" (Rm 8:32) "What shall we say after that? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rm 8:31) "The Lord is my Light and my Salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life's Refuge; of whom should I be afraid?" (Ps 27:1)
Let Him love you. Let Him free you. You need no longer be afraid. Give your life to Him. Let the fear of the Lord be the beginning of fearlessness. Let faith rise above fear. Let complete love cast out all fear (1 Jn 4:18). Jesus says "It is I. Do not be afraid!" (Mt 14:27)
Prayer: Jesus, confirm this word with signs and wonders (Mk 16:17, 20). May the blind see, the deaf hear, the mute speak, and the lame walk as they read the Scriptures and the teaching on this page (Is 35:5-6).
Promise: "Listen, dear brothers. Did not God choose those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom He promised to those who love Him?" —Jas 2:5
Praise: Praise Jesus, the Way and the Truth and the Life (Jn 14:6). Alleluia to the King of Kings!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Hold Fast to the Faith on audio AV 71-1 or video V-71.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 26, 2006
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