“But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.” John 6:20
The fears of the Christian are a dishonour to his Lord, a denial of his creed, and a fruitful source of distress to his own soul. All things are of God, He worketh all things after the counsel of His own will, and in every event He says to us, “IT IS I; BE NOT AFRAID.” If friends turn to foes and distress us, if death enters our dwellings and bereaves us, if sickness lays us aside and fills us with pain, He says, “It is I; be not afraid.” If losses, crosses, and sore trials come upon us, and discourage, distress, and perplex us, He says, “It is I; be not afraid.” If death approaches, and calls upon us to leave the body and close our eyes upon our beloved relations, friends, and connexions, He says, “It is I; be not afraid.” Should we hear the pillars of heaven crack, and feel the strong foundation of the earth give way; should the heavens be rolled up like a scroll, and the great white throne appear; still, amidst the wreck of matter and the crash of worlds, He cries, “Be not afraid; it is I.” Happy Christian! thy fears are groundless and thy brightest hopes well founded. Rejoice in Jesus.(James Smith)
O that I might so believe,
Steadfastly to Jesus cleave;
Only on His love rely,
Smile at the destroyer nigh:
Free from care and servile fear,
Feel the Saviour always near.
