Sitting on my son Cody’s hospital bed, we played his favorite song by MercyMe. Just a few days earlier, he could barely move, but now he was able to sit in a chair—an almost impossible feat.
Suddenly, he stretched both hands high in the air. Tears of joy flowed freely down his cheeks. With a smile, he enthusiastically told us, “I can hardly wait!”
The stirring lyrics filled the room, and we began to cry with him.
“I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by Your side. Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel? Will I dance for You Jesus, or in awe of You be still?”
Cody went to be with Jesus at the end of the week, but the memory of him praising God in the midst of the sorrow lives on.
“Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine.”
Walking into the unknown can be frightening. The night before, Cody had been frightened as his breathing became increasingly limited.
Fear is a common human experience, but Scripture reminds us God never leaves us to face it alone. When fear rises, we can turn to His Word and find the peace only He can give.
Psalm 34:4–5 says, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”
Cody inspired all of us. Even as a child, his favorite Scripture was Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Today’s duo, Rebecca St. James and Brandon Lake, ask the question:
“Why so heavy, oh my soul? Did you forget who’s in control? If He calls the winds and waves to still, He holds you now and always will. Come be still, oh anxious heart. Find rest here in the Father’s arms. Here now, fear has to leave now.”
And Isaiah 41:13 reminds us: “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’”
God promises to comfort us and help us in the midst of our worry. His Word can bring peace when circumstances feel uncertain and fear threatens to take over.
So today, whatever fear you may be carrying, remember: Fear has to leave now.
Why? Because the battle is the Lord’s!
Closing Prayer
Lord, when fear rises, remind us You are still in control. Take our anxious hearts into Your hands and fill us with Your peace, knowing You walk with us every step of the way. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
