
This verse isn’t about shaming us when we have fear. It’s okay to be afraid. Ryan talked about that in yesterday’s post here: https://wearesoutheast.org/2020/04/29/when-i-am-afraid/.
So, what’s going on here? Why are we told to not be afraid?
As a parent comforts a child, so God comforts us in our fear. A parent doesn’t cruelly tell their child to grow up, they hold them and comfort them in the midst of their fear until they feel safe and release that tight grasp.
This verse is a reminder that God is ready to take our hand, to carry us in times of fear, and to comfort us until we feel safe enough to walk again. Don’t feel ashamed at being afraid, put your trust in God, and know that He is close to you, in the midst of your fear.