TO FEAR OR NOT TO FEAR

In Isaiah 43:1, we read: “But now, this says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are mine.’”


She, as everyone else in the small town, was on edge. A teenage girl had disappeared.

She jumped at the slightest noise and found it difficult to concentrate at school even though her dad told her she was safe. She slept fitfully, woke at the slightest noise even though Buddy, her Boston Bull terrier, slept on the floor close to her.

One night, her eyes popped open, snatching her out of a restless sleep. In the dark, she lay fozen, terrified. A hand stroked her right cheek. How if...?

“Daddy!” She yelled at top volume. The hand didn’t hesitate. Was this person deaf? She heard Daddy's feet pounding, then he clicked on the light.

His head jerked, eyebrows raised. His face split into a grin, then he roared with laughter. Mama came in. She covered her mouth, snickering.

Daddy walked over to her bed and gently lifted her left arm which was curved over her head on the pillow. Her arm was numb, gone to sleep, her fingers acting on their own.

“It’s okay. I’m here,” he said as he pulled her into his arms.

Repeated constantly through the Scriptures, the Lord Jesus reminds us, “Fear Not.” When I realize  He created me and redeemed me, I stand amazed. But more than that, the Scriptures tell me He calls me by my name and declares I am His! This is too wondrous to comprehend. All I can do is praise Him and thank Him.


Kingdom thinking. Life constantly presents me with choices--to believe the promises of the Scriptures or believe the shadows that plague me. The Lord Jesus promises never to leave nor forsake me. He loves me with an everlasting love. He knows me by name. He knows you, too. His arms are open. Won’t you come to Him?