Grug Crood, the
dad of a caveman family in an animated movie, believes that there’s no safe
place beyond their cave. They huddle together at night so he can protect them.
He thinks his teenage daughter should give up her adventurous side because it
can only lead to danger. His motto for his family is “Never not be afraid.” In other words, “Always be afraid.”
Jesus often told
His followers the opposite: “Do not be afraid.” He said that to Simon when He
called him to follow Him (Luke 5:10). When Jairus, a synagogue leader whose
daughter was dying, came to Him, Jesus reassured him with those same words of
care (8:50).
Luke 12 records
Jesus telling His disciples not to be afraid when He taught them how God cared
for them much more than for the sparrows (v.7). And after His resurrection,
Jesus told the women who came to the tomb, “Rejoice! . . . Do not be afraid”
(Matt. 28:9-10).
Fear is a
universal feeling. We have concerns about loved ones, our needs, and the
unknown future. How can we learn? The Lord has given us a foundation on which
to build our confidence in Him: “He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you
nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear’ ” (Heb. 13:5-6).
The love of God frees us from the prison of fear. (RBC)
