Reflections Devotional                   "Do Not Be Afraid"  

Fear is a powerful emotion. When I was a teenager, I loved going to my hometown's annual fair. There were plenty of exciting, adrenaline-fueled rides to experience. The rides gave me a rush—I had no fear. I never wondered if a regular maintenance program had been followed to keep the squeaking, jerking, well-worn equipment in working order. I just let them strap me into the rides, ready for the thrill.

As an adult, I returned to the fair with my husband. To my dismay, the first ride caused me such gut-wrenching fear that our night of youthful fun was pretty much over. It amazed me that the same ride that gave me such delight as a teenager now seemed like an instrument of carnival torture! 

Fear can sneak up on us, creeping in quietly and even convincing us to doubt our deepest beliefs. Jesus understood the power of fear. He knew the overwhelming fear his followers felt after seeing him brutally beaten and killed. He knew if his loved ones gave in to the power of fear, they might be tempted to doubt the truth he had taught. Perhaps that is why he met personally with the women who went to his tomb on the day of his resurrection. He comforted them with the wonderful words, Do not be afraid (v. 10). 

Jesus knew that these women, and all who mourned, needed encouragement to overcome the influence of fear. Even now, God's word speaks to us, reminding us that we can overcome the power of fear in our lives through belief in Christ. With Christ, we can overcome the influence of fear, freeing ourselves to experience the joy and peace that come from God.