Do not be afraid

Thursday January 20, 2022

Do not be afraid

Do not worry about anything ; but in everything make your needs known to God by prayers and supplications, with thanksgiving. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4.6-7

When I was a student, coming home at night, I often had a tear gas canister in my pocket, because I was afraid of dark streets. I was also afraid that something would happen to my parents, afraid of not being able to finish my studies, of falling ill, of missing the train… In short, of almost everything ! It was sometimes heavy !

When at 22 I had the privilege of having my first Bible in my hands, things gradually changed. I was able to discover who Jesus really was, the seriousness of sin in general and mine in particular. After repenting and accepting God's forgiveness, one of the first things I could feel was peace. A sweet and firm assurance that I now had nothing to fear because I was no longer alone.

What joy, what relief to be able to experience this ! Since that time, 32 years ago, even during difficult times (my daughter is currently battling cancer), I have lived with serenity, without fear. What Grace ! Man's first feeling after the fall was fear (Genesis 3:10). Jesus often repeats in the Gospels : “Do not worry and do not be afraid !" He is the solution.

Eric Preud'homme

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Proposed reading : Letter to the Romans, chapter 8, verses 12 to 17.

8.12 So therefore, brethren, we are not beholden to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

8.13 If you live according to the flesh, you will die ; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live,

8.14 for all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

8.15 And ye received not a spirit of bondage, to fear again ; but you have received a Spirit of adoption, for which we cry : Abba ! Dad !

8.16 The Spirit himself bears witness to our spirit that we are children of God.

8.17 Now, if we are children, we are also heirs : heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, if we suffer with him, in order to be glorified with him.

Source (Live Today)