John 20:19-20

¹⁹ On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Is it possible to be fearful and overjoyed at the same time? I don’t really think so. Overjoyed is one of those emotions that takes over in that moment. In the verse above the disciples feelings changed instantly from fear to overjoyed. What caused this instant change? The presence of Jesus. Today the presence of Jesus is still with us, just not in the physical sense as it was with the disciples on that day. But he is always with, and that can change our feelings just as it did for the disciples.

Here are a few places I look for to see Jesus:

• Majesty and beauty of God’s creation
• Healing that doctors can’t explain
• Unexplained peace during life’s challenges
• Answered prayers
• Sermons that are exactly what you needed to hear
• Songs with just the right words at just the right time
• Promises found in the Bible and proved throughout history
• Words of encouragement from a friend or maybe even a stranger

Remember when you’re fearful, worried, or afraid Jesus sees you and is with you. Try to find him and the peace and joy his presence brings.