Notes from Tom
This was the first song I wrotefor this album. In many ways, it became the foundation for the entire project — the “I Am” theme, the connection to Scripture, the balance of confession and assurance.
Be Not Afraid draws from many different passages where Jesus calls us by name, lifts burdens, forgives sins, and reminds us of His purpose:John 10:3— “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”Matthew 11:28-30— “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden…”Luke 5:10— “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”John 8:11— “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on sin no more.”
The heart of this song is Jesus’ gentle yet firm reminder:
“I came to save and not to damn.”
That line isn’t a direct Bible quote, but it captures the tone ofJohn 3:17:
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
The song walks through moments of fear, shame, and wandering — but never stays there. It always circles back to grace, identity, and belonging in Christ.
A note on the music
Musically, this is one of the more upbeat songs on the album. I think fear drives too much of what we do — and don’t do — in our lives. This song is meant to feel like an invitation to get up, walk forward, and live your life without fear, but instead in the joy of being redeemed.
It’s got arock beat, driven by acoustic and electric guitar, with a bit of a soul vibe in its rhythm and energy. I find it to be another toe-tapper (like I Am the Bread of Life).
I’d also like to creditLost and Found(the Lutheran folk-rock duo) for planting the seed with their song by the same name. Their work showed me that you can be serious about Scripture and still make music that’s simple, approachable, and fun to sing.Want Sheet Music?
Turning these songs into sheet music is a time-consuming and costly venture for an amateur like me. I CAN do it, but it requires some costly software and extra time.
If there is enough interest, I will work on it. So if it’s something you want, vote for the song you’d like to see first below. That’s a list of the ones that would be the easiest to transcribe. Email me if you want a different one at [email protected]
Lyrics
Verse 1Be not afraid, I know your name,
In love and mercy, free from shame.
My yoke is easy, burden light,
In darkest hours, I am your sight.
ChorusBe not alone, be not afraid,
I shed My blood, your debt is paid.
I am the Lamb, God’s only Son,
The great “I Am,” the Holy One.
Verse 2With trembling heart, you walked away,
Denying truth, you went astray.
Yet here I stand, arms open wide,
Your Savior now, the crucified.
ChorusBe not alone, be not afraid,
I shed My blood, your debt is paid.
I am the Lamb, God’s only Son,
The great “I Am,” the Holy One.
Verse 3The weary find their rest in Me,
The lost are found, the blind now see.
Come as you are, and bear My name,
Forever loved, redeemed from shame.
BridgeBe not alone, I walk beside,
You are My bride, My heart’s delight.
I am the Lamb, the Crucified,
God’s promise kept, now glorified.
ChorusBe not alone, be not afraid,
I shed My blood, your debt is paid.
I am the Lamb, God’s only Son,
The great “I Am,” the Holy One.
Final ChorusBe not alone, be not afraid,
I shed My blood, your sin is paid.
I came to save and not to damn,
I am God’s Son, the great “I Am.”
from I Am, released May 16, 2025
Lyrics and tune, Thomas J Bernthal, SDG
If you enjoy the music and would like to help defray the cost of the software and website, you can buy me a coffee ☕
Also on Substack.