Take CourageSample

“The Presence of Jesus"

So far, we’ve delved into fear and have talked about ways to conquer it. But for many of us, we need more Scripture to comfort and guide, more words of hope, more words of peace. I totally understand that.

I titled this devotional Take Courage because they are famous words from Jesus when He roamed the earth. When the disciples were scared to death and feared for their lives, Jesus comforted and exhorted them to, “Take courage.” Remember when the disciples were on the sea in the middle of the storm? They ended the night seeing Jesus walking on water.

Af first the disciples were afraid, but the presence of Jesus calmed their fears. Like the disciples, you may have lost sight of Jesus, but He hasn’t lost sight of you—and He is ready to rescue. One study Bible commentary notes, “To recognize Christ’s presence is the antidote for fear.” Wow! That is a simple, but deep concept.

My ESV Study Bible notes that Jesus’ words to the disciples, “Take courage. It is I,” were a throwback to Moses and his burning bush experience. In Exodus 3:14, God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” The same God in the form of Jesus years later and now in present times, says, “Take Courage. It is I. (I am who I am) – Do not be afraid.”

Whatever fears you struggle with, whatever mountains or obstacles you face, Jesus looks at you with love and says, “Take courage. It is I.” What does it mean that God is the Great I Am? It means that whatever you face, whatever you fear or need, God is the calm to that fear, the answer to that need.

Do you need love? God says, “I am love.” Do you need peace? God says, “I am peace.” Do you need forgiveness? God says, “I am The Way to be right with the Father.” He is all you need. Don’t be afraid. Trust and believe in the God who has never taken His eyes off you. Meditate on this today.