DO NOT BE AFRAID

Jesus has more Mercy than you have Fear 

By Robert Schaetzle

"Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 NKJV 

Learning to come and rest in God’s presence, we never need to question, ‘What should I do next?’ His mercy is constant, unlike the seasonal rain we have here in the San Francisco Bay area that stops in the spring and returns when winter arrives.

We need never thirst for mercy or think our reservoir of grace is seasonal. His well of mercy never runs dry. When we dwell upon those temporal moments of weakness, He command, "Be strong and courageous."

Moses was between Pharaoh’s army and the Red sea; the people of Israel ready to stone him but for the power of God’s presence, the water parted. Naomi and Ruth, alone and uncertain, found Boaz because God led the way.

Coming home from a friend’s house where I lived growing up, I saw a shadow on the sidewalk from the streetlight and thought someone was behind me. Spinning around, I didn't see anyone. When the next light passed me, I saw two shadows. Fright seized my heart until I realized that I was the shadow all along.

When fear or uncertainty grips us, be mindful of God’s "Hedge of Protection" about us every step of the way. By faith, as we put our hands in His, feel the presence of His power; hold on to Him. His command is stronger than any force of fear attempting to control.