What Does ‘Be Not Afraid’ Really Mean?
By Colette Lemire
“…do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Recently, at Mass, I was listening attentively to a homily where Father Kevin spoke about the theme of the week – Fear/Be Not Afraid. I was so focused that all of a sudden I had an epiphany. God our Father doesn’t want us to be afraid in any way – imagine that.
I was fearful about going to a friend’s place for a birthday party because I was going to go alone. I was worried about my reception, about my acceptance, and if I’d know anyone there, but I knew that my fear was not right. The Holy Spirit was letting me know through father Kevin that I had nothing to fear. These were my friends after all! My anxiety was not of God and I did not have to be afraid.
In the scriptures the phrase “be not afraid” appears 365 times in one form or another; yes a whole year’s worth. I personally have not tried to find them all, but I trust this is true. One of our holiest inspirational people, Saint John Paul II, was also a true believer of this phrase and shared it often while speaking to us. “I plead with you – never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.” - Pope John Paul II
Why are we a fearful people? Do we face fear every day? What kinds of things is God warning us not to be afraid of? “Be not afraid” - I took this phrase to mean that we should not be afraid of just the big things in life: suffering - cancer/illness, not being loved, not being good enough, or when we have to face big changes such as career movement, relationship challenges, money issues, airplane rides, divorce, death, etc. These are all valid and yes, we should face them with hope and trust in God, and to not be afraid. But, maybe more importantly, we need to offer up our fears for everyday things as well, - be not afraid of doing a kindness – of calling a friend, writing a letter or card of encouragement or thanks; of sharing your talent; of telling someone that they are doing a good job, etc. “Be not afraid” can be our daily encouragement when we are even slightly fearful about doing or facing something. It can mean so much more when we know that we walk with God in all our choices and chances.
We don’t need to face our fear alone. God must have known that we humans would need some encouragement and so He shared “be not afraid” with us. It isn’t only used for the big things in life, but for everyday life. If we trust in Him, we know that “be not afraid” means that we are not alone.
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