Watching the evening news can be a scary thing sometimes. We hear reports about the economy rising and falling, stories about children being abducted and assaulted or killed, roadside bombs blowing up soldiers, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. Now we’re seeing an oil spill slither towards the southern U.S. coastline and endangering its wildlife habitat.
Some people grow calloused toward the news because it feels far removed from their little safety bubble. Some refuse to watch because they find it depressing. Some listen to the reports and their hearts grow faint from fear. They lock themselves in their houses, afraid to go outside lest the sky fall. Others don’t watch because they’re too busy or they’re dealing with painful personal situations that demand their time and energy.
Global and local news can strike fear and uncertainty into our hearts. So can personal situations. But in the midst of the fearful stuff of life, we can have hope and courage when we remember Jesus’ words to His disciples when He appeared to them after He rose from the grave.
“’Why are you frightened?’ he asked. ‘Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me’” (Luke 24:38).
Beautiful.
Jesus knows the fears we face, and He knows the secret to dealing with them. “Look at my hands,” He says. “Look at my feet. Don’t look at the storm blowing about you. Don’t look at the waves. Don’t look at the overwhelming circumstances…look at Me.
“Why are you afraid? Do you see the nailprints in My hands and feet? They’re proof that I love you. They’re proof that I value you. I’ve invested My life in you – I will never leave you or forsake you.”
When fearful situations face us whether on a global or personal scale, let’s focus our eyes on the Savior. Let’s remember the nailprints in His hands and feet. And let’s draw courage in knowing that they’re proof of His unfailing love for us.
Where do you place your focus when you feel afraid?
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