Never Fear, Jesus Is Here

Psalm 81:7 – In your distress you called and I rescued you, I answered you out of a thundercloud; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. (NIV)

When my children were little, they were frightened by the loud pyrotechnics of our summer thunderstorms. One night, a particularly violent one rolled through the area. It was broiling with dark, threatening thunderheads, rumbling with ominous warning and punctuating the sky with strobe-light flashes of lightning. Needless to say, all three children were immediately downstairs from their bedrooms where they had been playing, clamouring for their father's lap. Realizing their fear, the father in my husband sought to cuddle them and comfort them, but the scientist and teacher in my husband immediately seized the opportunity to instruct them. Calling me in from the kitchen, together we each took a tiny hand in ours and went out onto our secure, screened-in, front porch to watch "God's fireworks display." After each flash of lightning, George would tell the children to count until they heard the thunder. Rarely did they get beyond two or three before the loud clap would be heard. Thus my wise husband turned their fear into a lesson in science. But even more important was that our children learned a valuable lesson in love and trust. They learned they could turn to their father whenever they were afraid, and he would listen and respond.

God is a lot like that, too. Whenever we are afraid, we can turn to God with our problems in the name of Christ Jesus and the Lord will listen, responding appropriately to each need. God would have us realize that, in Christ, He is here for us. We need not fear because Jesus is here. He will walk with us, guiding us every step of the way. Even though we are faced with challenges and changes that we may find unsettling, God, in Christ Jesus, will be with us and walk with us through the rough spots.

Jesus said, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b)

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever." (John 14:16 KJV)

Prayer: Jesus Christ, thank you that we never need fear because you are here among us comforting us with your Holy Spirit. Grant that we may always respond with courage, faith and hope, for we pray in Your name. Amen.