There are a lot of things that people can fear in our world today: terrorism, economic collapse, violence in our communities, radical ideologies, just to mention a few.  When these things strike in real life, they can certainly be devastating.  However, in the midst of a world that carries risk and tragedy in it for all of us, God calls us to not be afraid.  Instead, He says to trust in Him.  Multiple times in the Scriptures we see this dynamic of fear measured against trusting God.  As the Israelite spies saw who was in the Land of Canaan, they were overcome with fear.  Jesus’ disciples were terrified when they saw what they thought was a ghost walking on the water. You and I are overcome with fear at times in this lifetime, too.  Jesus has come to take the fear out of your eye, as He speaks the same words that He spoke to His disciples: “Do not be afraid. Take courage, I am here!”  Jesus has come to deliver you, by His life, death, and resurrection into the final Promised Land…fear not, for He has overcome. Truly He is the Son of God.