When You Draw Near You Have No Fear

Know Whose You Are 

By Josephine Lim Weston

At the moment I am still bottle and breastfeeding my eight month old baby Janick although I have started weaning him. One thing that I realised the difference between bottle and breastfeeding is - whenever my eldest son Jean-Luc walks into my bedroom by opening the door suddenly whilst I'm feeding Janick, if I'm bottle-feeding him, Janick will jump and his heart races; but if I'm breastfeeding him, he is unfazed by it and will continue feeding or he'll slowly detach and then calmly look up, smile and see what's happening. There's a distance (in terms of body contact) when bottle feeding but it's definitely so much closer and secure for the baby when breastfeeding. The same applies - when we're near to God, we are not easily troubled or afraid. I've also learnt from experience that when we brought Jean-Luc for vaccination just a few years ago, and now Janick, the nurses would sometimes suggest that I breastfeed during and after the vaccination to sooth and calm them down more quickly. The same - when we're going through trials, by drawing near to God we'll find confidence and peace knowing that He will deliver us and all will be fine soon.

John 13

21 After Jesus had said these things, He was visibly upset, and testified and said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, one of you will betray Me and hand Me over.” 22 The disciples began looking at one another, puzzled and disturbed as to whom He could mean. 23 One of His disciples, whom Jesus loved (esteemed), was leaning against Jesus’ chest. 24 So Simon Peter motioned to him (John) and [quietly] asked [him to ask Jesus] of whom He was speaking. 25 Then leaning back against Jesus’ chest, he (John) asked Him [privately], “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I am going to give this piece[of bread] after I have dipped it.” So when He had dipped the piece of bread [into the dish], He gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. 

You see when we like John ("the disciple whom Jesus loved" as he referred to himself as he wrote the gospel of John) drawing near to God (leaning against His chest) and knowing whose we are in His presence we will be unfazed neither be intimidated by what's happening around us. But if we're uncertain of who we are in the eyes of God and have been distant from God then we will be easily afraid, fearful and discouraged. The only way to overcome fear is to draw near to God then we'll understand and see what God is doing for us and through us. When we draw near we'll have no fear, no matter how bad the situation. 

Psalm 73:28

But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.

Hebrews 7:19

(for the Law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

During this period of lockdown due to Covid-19, it is an opportunity for us (if you're not a key worker) not only to spend more quality time with our loved ones either presently or online but to also spend more time reflecting and being in the presence of the Lord. I called it refreshing time with the Lord as He is in fact our Living water. I'm aware that some of you might share the same predicament of being even busier juggling with homeschooling etc but in our busyness let us not be intimidated by what's happening around us and the world but instead trust in the Lord with all our hearts (Proverb 3:5-6) and know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Jeremiah 33:2-3

This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’

Proverb 3:5-6

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;

don’t try to figure out everything on your own.

Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;

he’s the one who will keep you on track.

Don’t assume that you know it all.

Run to God! Run from evil!

A few days ago, my husband shared with me about his concern with people like him who are employed but due to lockdown having to work from home and how long this situation will lasts and what will happen to job security and our country's economy. I replied, "Look to Jesus, our God will look after our affairs and He will supply all our needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). He will never fail us (Luke 1:37).”

So let's draw near to God and have no fear. Know who we belong to - we belong to a God who is faithful in all he does (Psalm 33:4).

A song to share:

Times of Refreshing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKgEDYLd30E