God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though ______ …

” Psalm 46:10

How would you fill in the blank for Psalm 46:10 as it appears above? Maybe you’re in a fearful place today. This week let’s talk about some of our fears and discover God’s way to overcome them.

Fear in Anticipation

And it came about, when the days were approaching for His ascension, that He resolutely set His face to go to Jerusalem.”

Luke 9:51

“Only two months away,” she happily commented. Anticipation brimming, my sweet friend referred to her upcoming wedding. Excited? Yes. Joyful? Indeed. Her dreams of being a bride would shortly become reality. In the meantime, she planned and prepared with twinkling eyes. Love motivates, propelling her closer and closer to her wedding day.

My mom used to say that half the fun of an upcoming event exists in looking forward to it. Counting the days, imagining details, and envisioning the overall delight surely does equal fun. Only this likely wasn’t the case for Jesus …

Throughout His life, Jesus anticipated the cross. He became a man for this very reason. What must it have been like for Him to look ahead to that torturous day? Did He dread it … fear it? Probably. Certainly Jesus experienced human feelings, yet they didn’t dictate His decisions.

Our heavenly Father’s express purpose in sending His Son was achieved on the cross. Jesus came to die … for our sins. Obediently, sacrificially, courageously Jesus left heaven’s splendor to ultimately hang on a splintered, humiliating cross. Before returning to His Father–ascending back into heaven–Jesus entered Jerusalem knowing the cross awaited. Undeniably He understood His calling and steadfastly remained committed to completing His Father’s will.

“These things Jesus spoke; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son, that the Son may glorify Thee.’”

John 17:1, NASB 

The Hour. Has. Come.

As we contemplate the cross, an instrument designed for destruction but destined by God to display His glory, we gaze upon the treasure of Christ’s Person. We’re transfixed by the vastness of WHO HE IS. As Jesus hung pierced by thorns and nails, scarlet blood flowing down, His unspeakably beautiful heart was exposed for all to see. The agony of the cross revealed Christ’s flawless, immense character, His extravagant love.

And in seeing Him, we’re enlightened to the character of the Father. They are one. Inexplicably united. Identical. Simply yet astoundingly, the cross—two pieces of wood— revealed God’s very essence. The Father willingly sacrificed His only beloved Son, and the Son was lovingly obedient unto death. Out of love for us.

Absolutely we cannot grasp this kind of LOVE!

Through Christ’s power living in me, I can deal with even the most unpleasant anticipation—whether of surgery, separation from a loved one, moving away from friends, whatever twists and curves life may throw my way. 

Marvel with me.

Emily