Special Gratitude Edition

Brown Dog hates storms! Long before I can hear approaching thunder, he begins to pace and shiver in fear. This only intensifies as the winds pick up. By the time lightning is flashing, thunder is booming, and hail or rain are pelting the windows, this poor guy is a mess.

His usual station through the night is a blanket on the couch in the living room, where he serves as the watchman. But when the storms roll in, Brown Dog runs to our bed for comfort and reassurance that the house will withstand the elements. I speak calmly to him and lift him onto the bed. I place him next to me, and once he’s snuggled in close, with my arm draped over his (hey, this dog could use some exercise!) tummy, he settles down and eventually drifts off to sleep.

It's amazing the peace that a comforting touch and a gentle word can bring to a soul (and a brown dog) battling fear.

Jesus knew that, and in story after story in Scripture, His word and His touch made all the difference. That’s exactly what happened when He appeared to John in the book of Revelation.

As the book kicks off, John is a prisoner on the island of Patmos. He’s been exiled there because he refused to stop proclaiming the gospel. As John is “in the Spirit” on the Lord’s day, he has a very unusual experience.

John hears a loud voice “like a trumpet,” telling him to write on a scroll what he’s about to hear. He’s instructed to then send the scroll to seven churches once his transcription is complete. But who is speaking to him?

As he turns to find out, he sees seven golden lampstands and Someone “like a Son of Man” walking among them. John is awestruck. His description of what is before his eyes continues.

This Son of Man was “dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet and with a golden sash around His chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” (Revelation 1:14b-16)

The Bible records John’s reaction to this vision, and I have to say – I’d be right there with him! “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead.” (Revelation 1:17a)

Then Jesus, the Son of Man Who has just appeared to John in majesty almost too great for words, gives John what he needs in that moment – a gentle touch and words of reassurance. “Then He placed His right hand on (John) and said: ‘Do not be afraid…’” (Revelation 1:17b)

The tender heart of Jesus knows you, friend. He knows what you need in your moments – or even seasons – of fear, and He holds those things out to you for your comfort and peace.

When you need to feel His touch, He provides through the hands of your brothers and sisters in Christ. When you need to hear His words of reassurance, He provides through the Scriptures. And when you need to rest in the knowledge that the Eternal One has the power to not only defeat your greatest fears, but all of your fears, He provides Himself. “Do not be afraid.”

Gracious Father, thank You for being near to us when we’re afraid. Thank You for Your tenderness and comfort. Thank You for coming to our defense and equipping us with truth to do battle. Thank You for being the God Who is able to conquer our fears, quiet our hearts, and provide for our needs. Thank You for Your touch and for Your true and reassuring Word. What have we to fear when we’re wrapped in Your arms of love? In You, we are safe. Thank You. In the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.

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“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day…” – Psalm 91:4-5