Breathe in Jesus, breathe out peace.

 Breathe in deeply and breathe out. Do not look down. Focus on your next step. My heart is pounding uncontrollably. I can feel my palms sweating. 

Last night I had a dream. I dreamed of climbing a long flight of stairs leading to a narrow walkway. It was so high, and I was consumed by fear. My fear of heights. 

But it was only a dream and not reality. I remember my heavy breathing waking me up, my hands and face were sweaty. My body was reacting to the fear I felt. Fear that was not justified or necessary. After all, I was lying in my bed mere centimetres from the floor. My fear was still my reality. My reaction was just as real as if I were making that journey.

As I woke from this dream, I imagined the fear the disciples must have felt when Jesus was crucified. The anxiety and sense that everything was lost. 

Fear made them go into hiding. Isolated and trembling. Not wanting to look ahead because the future they have hoped for was now out of reach.

There was no reason for them to feel this way since Jesus was resurrected, and He promised to send a helper. 

But at that moment they were just reacting to the fear. Just as my body was reacting to a dream. 

When Jesus comes into the room, He says Peace to you. I imagine this scenario. Instantly they felt peace, joy, and hope and regained control over their fear. (John 20) 

In the same way, my heart rate and breathing slowed down as soon as I woke up. 

Looking at Jesus in the room brings peace and fear subsides. Your fear may be justified today. Or your anxiety can be a mere emotion caused by irrational thinking. 

Whatever emotions are overwhelming you today, I encourage you to make time for prayer. Look at Jesus and allow his voice to fill your mind. Peace to you! Peace to You. 

I hear the lyrics of a song resonate in my soul:

When I look into your holiness, when I gaze into your lovingness. When all things that surround me become shadows in the light of You. (Wayne & Cathy Perrin). 

 Let fear and anxiety become shadows as you gaze upon Jesus today. As He speaks and says: Peace to you! Breathe in Jesus, breathe out peace.