Do Not Be Afraid (Part 2)

by Beth Henry

According to Matthew Henry, best known for his biblical commentary Exposition of the Old and New Testaments, “God’s promise had come to pass as Isaac was born to Sarah and Abraham.  We learn in Genesis 21:10, Hagar, an Egyptian, also bore a son of Abraham, Ishmael.   During Isaac’s weaning feast, Ishmael mocked Isaac in contempt of the Covenant and Promise.  Due to this behavior, and Sarah’s wish to secure Isaac’s birthright, she commanded Abraham to send them away.

Hagar and Ishmael were sent into the wilderness with food and water.  The water, however, soon ran out.  Due to Ishmael’s fatigue and thirst, Hagar put him under a bush to rest.  She then cried out to the Lord for mercy upon her son.  God’s angel replied, “Do not be afraid.” (New International Version, Genesis 21:17)

Per Henry, “Those who know not when they are well off, will be made to know the worth of mercies by the want of them.” (Henry). We often think the grass is greener on the other side.  We frequently pursue opportunity not realizing how good it was before we jumped ship.  Just as God showed his mercy upon Hagar and her son, he also graces us with the same compassion.  “God's readiness to help us when we are in trouble, must not slacken, but quicken our endeavors to help ourselves” (Henry).

Thought of the Day:

In times of fear, therefore, seek God’s face!!  He will blanket you with peace and provide grace in your times of trouble.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (New International Version, Proverbs 3:5-6)

Verse:

God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.” (New International Version, Genesis 21:17)

Prayer:

Dear God,

I come before You to lay my panic and anxiety at Your feet. When I’m crushed by my fears and worries, remind me of Your power and Your grace. Fill me with Your peace as I trust in You and You alone. I know I can’t beat this on my own, but I also know that I have You, Lord, and You have already paid the ultimate price to carry my burdens.

For this I thank you, Amen. (A Prayer for Soothing Anxiety Attacks)

— Unknown

Works Cited

“A Prayer for Soothing Anxiety Attacks.” 16 Prayers for Anxiety That Will Calm You When the Panic Sets In, 

Hearst Magazine Media, 2021, womansday.com/life/inspirational-stories/g29613781/prayers-for-

            anxiety/?slide=1

 “Genesis 21:17,” Bible Gateway, HarperCollins Christian Publishing,       

  biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+21%3A17&version=NIV

Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry’s Commentary. Bible Hub. 2021, biblehub.com/niv/genesis/21

“Matthew 11:28-30,” Bible Gateway, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 

biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A+28-30&version=NIV

“Proverbs 3:5-6,” Bible Gateway, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 

biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+3%3A+5-6&version=NIV