Daily Devotional for March 7

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March 7                                                             John 6:16-27

              The Taming of Fear

Psychologists tell us that we revert to primitive reactions when
we are faced with a threat: fight or flight. Yet in our modern
times, we can only rarely react primitively, so we usually
contain our reaction to a perceived threat within ourselves
in the form of anger and rage (fight) or fear (flight).

Jesus' words to the disciples in today's Scripture echo one of
his primary goals: to set us free from fear. Of course, when
faced with a life-threatening danger, all of us feel fear; it is
natural. But the fear that Christ frees us from is not only the
fear that arises from life-threatening danger, but also the
bondage of paralyzing phobias and irrational fears.

The disciples felt the calming presence of Jesus. Because he
came walking on the water, they thought they had seen a ghost,
but Jesus' calming words were, "It is I; do not be afraid."

When we face the stresses and strains of daily living, we too,
if we stop to listen, can hear Christ saying, "I am with you,
do not be afraid." No task is so overwhelming, no situation
so frightening, that it is not transformed when Christ's presence
is there. Christ is the friend who sticks closer than a blood
relative.

Many are the times that I have faced new and frightening
situations and have found that I could get through them by
remembering Jesus' words, "It is I; do not be afraid."

    Thought for today: Courage is fear that has said its
           prayers and has felt the presence of Jesus.

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From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle

Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C.