The first year I was in church choir, I had an opportunity to be a part of the Easter production. Everything was going great until we got to the dress rehearsal.

As I watched the crucifixion scene, I choked up. The sight of Jesus dying on the cross was too much for my heart to take. I was broken, more aware than ever of Jesus’ love for me. I was also angry at those shouting to crucify Jesus. Oh, if they only realized who He was! “Why, God, why?” I cried silently. “Why couldn’t there have been another way?”

Just as the disciples were angry and scared when Jesus was arrested, and Mary wept at the sight of her son on the cross, we often only see what is in front of us, rather than the big picture that God sees. Just as He knew Jesus would be resurrected, God knows the outcome of everything we face as well. And, in the midst of everything, He promises to be right by our side.

When we are faced with tragedies or frightening circumstances, it is easy to trust only in our feelings of anger, fear, and grief. Easter, however, reminds us that God has a plan even when we can’t see it. We would be wise, then, to trust God when He tells us in His Word, “Do not be afraid. Do not be terrified.”

May we be like David, who in Psalms said of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” We can trust not in what we see, but in who He is.

“I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” – Psalm 91:2

“So do not be afraid. I am with you. Do not be terrified. I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will hold you safe in my hands. I always do what is right.” – Isaiah 41:10

“For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7