Hi Reader,

Over the past couple of months, I've been listening a lot to Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (a bluegrass music group).

There's one song that plays often that I really like: Be Not Afraid.

Maybe one reason that song stands out is because I often tell our dog not to be afraid.

"Don't be afraid," I'll say, when I sense she's scared--of a loud noise, or a cat.

I'll say those words and I think she knows what I mean.

The song "Be Not Afraid" starts out describing the disciples on a boat, without Jesus, when the wind started blowing against them. The waves were causing them trouble, the Bible says.

And then they see what they think is a ghost, and they cry out in fear.

But it's Jesus, and he says,

So, this song I've been listening to is like a song to them--the disciples--saying, "Don't be afraid. That's not a ghost. It's the Master."

But it's also a song written for us--to you and me--and the lyrics later apply that story to today.

And like the disciples that night, we often don't think straight when things go all wrong.

So this song reminds us...

Don't be afraid when the winds and storms of life blow against you.

Jesus is with you.

The Master is here.

Be not afraid.

Now, I'm not saying go out and do stupid things, being fearless. Our emotions, along with the Spirit of God, can tell us a lot, including not to do something.

So, fear may be a warning sign that we shouldn't miss.

Did you know...

Jesus says don't be afraid other times in the Bible (for example, when he was raised from death and the women who went to his tomb didn't recognize him).

So not being afraid, is a recurring topic in Scripture.

But, nowadays, how often do we hear about fear?

People talk about worry or stress.

But fear?

I'm not sure we talk about that much.

And how often do we pray for those who are afraid? Or even consider the fear that others have?

Think about this though: a lot of worry and stress is probably connected to fear...

Fear of someone you love dying.
Fear of your boss letting you go.
Fear of __________ (fill in the blank).

So...

What wind is blowing against you?

What are you afraid of?

Whatever you're going through, remember this...

The Master is here.

Thanks for being part of my reader community.

John Christopher Frame​

p.s. Want to celebrate America's 250th birthday this year in a special way?

From Sea to Shining Sea is now available in hardcover.

Check it out while the price is as good as it is. Makes a great gift! Invite others onto this 50-day, 50-state journey of reconnecting with God.

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