I’m sitting in a coffee shop at a table toward the back. I glance up; people are chatting with friends, another woman with the most beautiful hair is taking a conference call, and a man sits with his back to me. He’s been fixated on his screen since I entered. He’s not distracted, like me. Or perhaps he’s mindlessly scrolling, and I just can’t see it. 

As my eyes wander around the room, a young guy around twenty years old walks in. It’s awkward for that second or two as our eyes lock. We both look away quickly. And I go back to staring at my screen, pretending I haven’t just been caught people-watching. 

It’s comforting that no one in this room knows I’m afraid of today and tomorrow. Or that the butterflies in my stomach are unsettled again. My therapist would tell me to practice the breathing exercises. So, I do this: breathe in for four, hold for four, and breathe out again. The nurse in me likes this exercise. I know that my deep breathing is not only bringing in more oxygen to fuel my body. But as I inhale, I’m suppressing the fight or flight response. And as I exhale, I’m instructing my brain to relax and calm down. The butterflies settle, and again, I realize that fear is a thief.

Fear demands that you solve the problem and plan for the dreaded ‘What-Ifs.’

However, throughout the Bible, God reminded his children that they do not need to be afraid when they face challenges, oppression, and difficulty. For example, Moses knew he must return to Egypt to lead all the Israelites out of captivity.

 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:7-8 NIV

 

 Or when Mary faced an unplanned pregnancy. 

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. Luke 1:30-31 NIV

 

Or when Jesus met the disciples when they thought he was dead

Suddenly, Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Matthew 28:10 NIV 

 

Or when he met me when my daughter had an anaphylactic reaction and was struggling to breathe in the ER as her face puffed up and itchy hives covered her body.

Or when my scan showed an unexplained mass. 

Or when my mom called me to say the cancer was back.

Whenever we have reason to be afraid, God speaks to us, “Do not be afraid.” 

However, just because God tells us not to be afraid doesn’t mean that suddenly, we’re all okay and can walk in perfect peace. Instead, we hold onto the hope that our situation is in God’s control because Jesus has already gone before us and claimed victory when he overcame death on the cross.

So, take a deep breath, and if, like me, you’re afraid, remind yourself that the one who conquered all is by your side and whispers through his word, 

So do not fear, for I am with you;

    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV

 

A love letter from God …

Dear lovely one,

Are you afraid? Why? What about your situation makes you anxious? Take a moment and tell me your worries, for I am listening. Yes, I remember we spoke about it yesterday and the day before, too. But I always have time to listen and to answer your prayers.

Jesus is ready to bear these burdens. Reach out and take hold of my hand, for I will strengthen and help you. Not only that, I uphold you with my righteous right hand.” 

So, take a deep breath, fill your lungs with the comfort of my holy spirit, and rest in my presence, knowing you don’t face your life alone.

I see you, my beloved; I love you.

And, I am with you always.

Love, God