Today’s Word: Afraid

My son Jon, around 1988, at my parents' grave. SJG photo.

One of the most often-repeated statements in the Bible is some version of “Be not afraid,” and it is usually said to humans when they are about to encounter the divine. “Don’t be afraid,” the angel says, “it’s just something you’ve never seen before, something you can’t fathom, something that will both scare you and change your life. That’s all.”

What God says with “be not afraid” is not, “don’t worry, everything will always be okay. Your children will always be safe, your parents will never die, and you will always be healthy.” That’s not the fear and hurt from which God delivers us. That would be an empty promise, indeed, for we all know that those heart-rending moments are a part of life. The fear that God delivers us from is the fear of being alone and helpless when these things happen. That life is fragile and always ends in physical death and separation from those we love is one of the harshest realities we learn.

But “be not afraid” offers hope and a glimpse behind the temporal confines of life and death. “Be not afraid” says there is more, and that “more” is grace-filled love, mercy and a new kind of life that doesn’t end and bring grief. “Be not afraid” asks us to look beyond what we can see and believe beyond what we cannot see. “Be not afraid” suggests that we grasp the hand of God when it is offered, which is always and everywhere, even and especially at the depths of our worry and fear.

None of this is easy, but we never have to go it alone, and through Christ we can possess a hope and a faith that leads us to a different kind of beyond.

Ask yourself in silence: What am I afraid of? (Really, make a list.) Which of these things are beyond the touch and love of God?

8 comments On Today’s Word: Afraid

  • I’ve never heard that statement described in that way. Thank you for making it’s meaning clear to me. I understand now what it means and I am not afraid but actually encouraged.

  • Thank you for today’s word, AFRAID. Beautifully written and the words inspiring. I always enjoy your writing and find much inspiration to be a better person and move closer to God.

  • Well, I’m coming up against this more often, and I appreciate your insights, Steve. Yes, I have found that God does walk me through it. But believing in what I can’t see is a lot harder.

  • Frank Avenilla

    Thank you Steve for your post on the word “Afraid.” It led me to this Sunday’s gospel reading about how Christ walking on the water in the midst of the storm, calls out to Peter to walk the same turbulent waters. Just as you note, when we truly heed the words “Be not afraid” and place our trust in the Lord, we can do amazing things even in the midst of the most difficult times in our lives. Thanks!

  • Thanks, Frank. As the gospel story you mention teaches us, while the miracle of Peter walking on the sea belongs to Jesus, Peter had a part to play. He had to step of the boat and believe…

  • Indeed…this doesn’t get any easier the older we get, it seems, especially if we’re willing to allow our faith to continue to grow. That doesn’t come without some growing pains and questioning…are we all still spiritual adolescents in some ways??

  • Thanks, Rose.

  • Thanks, Jim…

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