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  IT IS I, BE NOT AFRAID
  by A.B. Simpson
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Summary: God comforts us by taking our troubles and replacing them with
His loving presence.

Topics: "Overcoming Fear", "God's Comfort"
Scripture References: Psalm 23:4, Psalm 94:19, Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 14:27, John 14:27, Romans 15:13, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Philippians 4:6-7, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Peter 5:7

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DESCRIPTION
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A.B. Simpson illustrates how God's love comforts us similarly to a child
finding solace in a mother's embrace. Just as a child forgets their
troubles in the warmth of maternal affection, we too can find peace in
God's presence, which reassures us with the words 'It Is I, be not
afraid.' Although our circumstances may remain unchanged, God's love
fills our hearts and satisfies our needs, allowing us to forget our
fears and doubts. In His presence, we exchange our sorrows for joy and
comfort, breathing in His peace and rest.

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CONTENT
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A little child with a tale of woe on his heart flies to his mother's
arms for comfort-intending to tell her the whole story of his trouble.
But as soon as that mother takes the child in her arms and expresses her
love, the child becomes so occupied with her and the sweetness of her
affection that he forgets to tell his story, and in a little while even
the memory of the trouble is forgotten. It has just been loved away and
the mother has taken its place in the heart of her child. In this same
manner, God comforts us. It is I, be not afraid is His reassuring word.

The circumstances are not altered, but He Himself comes in their place
and satisfies our every need, and we forget all things in His gracious
presence as He becomes our all in all.

I am breathing out my sorrow On Thy kind and loving breast; Breathing in
Thy joy and comfort, Breathing in Thy peace and rest. I am breathing out
my longings In Thy listening, loving ear; I am breathing in Thy answer,
Stilling every doubt and fear.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ab-simpson/it-is-i-be-not-afraid/
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