Because God Is with Us

Fear is an overwhelming emotion that takes hold of us and causes us to act with complete irrationality. Often times, we can be more devastated by fear than by the thing we are afraid of. But God says that we don’t have to be afraid—because He is with us.

I remember when I was a small boy living in New Jersey, I was out walking around with a newly acquired pair of cowboy cap guns. I was feeling pretty tough. I had my little belt on with my holsters and guns. I pulled them out and was firing away. Just then a couple of hoodlums saw me and said, “Hey you. Come over here. You want some of this?” They started pushing me around and laughing at me. Then they committed the unforgettable. They took my guns. All I could do was go home crying with empty holsters.

When I got home I found my brother who was five years older than me and a lot bigger. So I asked him, “Would you go back and help me get my guns back?” Together, we went back. Here were these hoodlums with my guns. I felt a great courage and said, “Give me my guns back!” I was feeling tough. It wasn’t because I was stronger. It was because my brother was with me. You see, if these guys gave me a problem, my brother would pound their heads in. I had courage not because of who I was, but because of who was with me.

In the same way, as we look at a frightening world we can have courage. Not because of who we are, but because God is with us. His truth is our shield. He is there to guide us and protect us.