It Is I; Do Not Be Afraid

“It is I; do not be afraid” — Mark 6:50.

Someone tells of a little child who runs into its mother’s arms for comfort, carrying a great sorrow in its little heart. The child intends to tell her about its trouble. But as the mother holds the child close and pours out her love, the child becomes so absorbed in her and the sweetness of her affection that it forgets to tell her what happened. Before long, even the memory of the trouble is gone. Her love has dispelled it, and she has taken its place in the child’s heart.

This is how God Himself comforts us. “It is I; do not be afraid” is His word of reassurance. The circumstances do not change, but He Himself takes their place in our hearts and meets every need of our whole being. In the sweetness of His presence, we forget everything as He becomes our all in all.

I breathe out my sorrow,
resting against Your kind and loving heart.
I breathe in Your joy and comfort,
I breathe in Your peace and rest.

I breathe out my longings,
entrusting them to You, who listen and love.
I breathe in Your answer,
which stills every doubt and fear.