Fear is like an invisible ballast that can... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

O Lord, I am oppressed; Undertake for me!
Isaiah 38:14

Fear is like an invisible ballast that can spread over our entire lives. The quotation above comes from Hezekiah, the king of the ancient Jewish Empire. His fear becomes immediately understandable when we read the 38th chapter of the prophet Isaiah. Hezekiah had just learned that he had only a short time to live.

When the Bible speaks of fear, the emphasis is often on the external causes and not so much on the feeling triggered by a threat. The causes of fear can be very different: getting older, threatening situations or people, illness or an uncertain future.

Often fear is accompanied by the feeling that no one understands us and that we are left alone. It was certainly no different for Hezekiah, who feared to die. But Hezekiah, in his fear, knew who he could turn to. He believed in a living God who is Lord over life and death. What could be more natural for him than to turn to Him now and say, “Undertake for me!”

Whoever is afraid of dying today can make the same request. The Advocate has been standing by for a long time: Jesus Christ, God’s Son, wants people to be able to fearlessly approach God. He is the mediator between God and men. Therefore, ask this Advocate to take up your “case” as well. For this, however, you must disclose your “files” and relentlessly declare your “bankruptcy” to Him. You will experience then how the peace of God enters your heart and your fear of death gives way.

And as for the fears in our circumstances – we may bring them before our Advocate at any time. There is no one who understands us better than Jesus Christ. He gladly stands by us and helps us overcome our fears.

Today’s reading: Deuteronomy 2:1-13 · Matthew 20:1-16