One of the Bible’s most well-known imperatives (appearing throughout the Scriptures) is, “Be not afraid!” Initially, the phrase can seem comforting. But in my experience, it has often quickly caused me to ask, “How do I ‘be not afraid’ when I am afraid in this frightening moment?”
Yet being unafraid is exactly what is needed at such times. In fact, we are to begin prayerfully reasoning out the solution to any situation by addressing fear. In the textbook of metaphysical healing, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy writes, “Always begin your treatment by allaying the fear of patients” (p. 411). Always does not leave a lot of wiggle room! Even when we don’t actually feel fearful in the face of challenging experiences, there’s still that word: always.
God had no cause to be afraid, so He couldn’t pass fear along to me.
