Do Not Be Afraid (John 14:27)

I was very sick as a girl and afraid. The things I feared the most were crickets. Where I lived in the midwest we had a drought and the crickets came in swarms. I still remember the day Mom took me home from the hospital and she had to stop at the store. Crickets covered the sidewalk and the outside of the building. I would not get out of the car, but I was still scared when the crickets jumped on the car.

When my sister was young, her friend's grandpa touched her in places he shouldn't have. The memory of my sister running home, screaming and shaking is as fresh as if it happened yesterday. For years she was afraid of all men.

Even though our fears are justified, Jesus does not want us to be afraid. He says in John 14:27, "Peace I leave 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." He also says in Matthew 28:20, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

I am comforted when I know Jesus is always with me. Today when things scare me, I say His name and experience His presence.


Think About It
What are you afraid of? Know that God loves and cares for you. He does not want you to be afraid. You may need to tell an adult. My sister told our parents, and the man who hurt her spent the rest of his life in prison. 


Pray About It
Lord Jesus, help us to know you are always with us. Help us to know when to talk to an adult. Help us to say your powerful name and know your peace. Amen.

---