July 11, 2022
When I’m Afraid
Suzanne Eller
Today’s Truth
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19 NIV)!
Friend to Friend
Audrey pulled the cover over her eyes.
“Check for bears,” she begged.
I checked one more time. I held up a dust bunny and we laughed because that certainly wasn’t a bear. Yet her fears remained. Finally, I climbed in the bed with her until she fell asleep, her tiny form pressed against mine.
Have you ever struggled with fear? We all have. In John 20, a group of disciples are gripped with anxious thoughts. They had witnessed Jesus’ arrest and death on the cross. They had heard the rumors that authorities were searching for followers of Jesus. So, they hid.
When a group of women rushed through the door to tell them the tomb was empty, they left their hiding place and ran to the site. Just as their friends had said, the tomb yawned open wide.
But surely it was a trick. Surely soldiers had hid Jesus’ body and they lay in wait to trap them. Though the disciples desperately wanted to believe, fear reigned.
They trudged away from the tomb and toward their hiding place. That’s when Jesus entered the story.
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you’” (John 20:19 NIV)!
Though the door was barred, Jesus broke through all barriers to be near to His disciples.
There was no condemnation for their fearful thoughts. Jesus didn’t point out all the times He had told them He would rise on the third day. Instead, He came close and breathed peace over their hearts. Fear fled and peace took its place.
When we are in fear’s grip, we may not know what to do.
Call on Jesus.
There are no barriers that keep Him away. He is not dismayed by your anxious thoughts. He isn’t asking you to be stronger, more faith-filled, or comparing you to anyone else. Instead, He offers to breathe peace over your heart. He invites you to come out of hiding and to come near to Him. He reminds you that His strength is sufficient until you are no longer afraid.
When I remind Audrey of the bear story, she laughs. She is nine years old now, and it has been a long time since she believed a bear lived under her bed. Yet she learned a sweet lesson. When she is afraid, she can call her “Gaga,” and I’ll be there.
However, I am no match for the One who truly is peace.
If you are battling fear, call on Him. He loves you and there’s no need to hide.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, I’ve felt shame over fear and that doesn’t come from You. You speak peace over my heart, and I receive it. Instead of hiding from You, I will turn toward You. I bring my anxious thoughts to You for You are my peace, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Romans 8:1 says there is no condemnation (disapproval, judgment, criticism) for those who love Christ Jesus. In what ways does this encourage you when battling fear?
More from the Girlfriends
If you love to start your day with scripture and prayer, tune into Suzie’s brand new podcast, Prayer Starters. You can find it on your favorite podcast platform or at KLRC.
© 2022 by Suzanne Eller. All rights reserved.
Originally published Monday, 11 July 2022.
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