I’ve often heard that the most frequent command God gives to His people is not to be afraid. "Don't be afraid." "Fear not." "Don't be terrified." These phrases appear throughout the Old and New Testaments. Why does God keep telling us not to be afraid? Because we get afraid! We're afraid for ourselves. We're afraid for our families. We're afraid for our country. We're afraid for our health. Indeed, we live in fearful times. Does the Bible have anything to say about this? Yes! Let’s listen to what Jesus says in today's passage.

A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:32-33)

In this passage, Jesus tells His disciples things are about to get real, for them and for Him. He says, "In this world you will have trouble." Jesus never candy-coats the truth, does He? He says they're going to be scattered and they're going to suffer, just as he was going to suffer. Everyone would suffer! That's the world we live in too, isn't it? Broken people in a broken world. So why shouldn't we be afraid when we live in such scary times? Jesus’ final words in today's passage tell us why: "But take heart! I have overcome the world." Jesus is not afraid of the world. You and I don't have to be afraid of the world either. Jesus doesn't say He's going to overcome the world; He has overcome the world.

I'm talking to someone today. You’re afraid of something that's going to happen. Let me encourage you to take some time to thank and praise Jesus for the good things He’s already done in your life. In our dangerous and unfriendly world, only Jesus is completely trustworthy. He’s been with you and with me and will be with us now and forever. You can trust Him today and you can have peace...and that is very Good News!