That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. (Luke 2:8-10)
Fear is used in two senses in the Bible. Often in the Old Testament, it is used in the sense of respect for God. Though it is sometimes used in this sense in the New Testament, more often it is used in the expression,
“Don’t be afraid!” Angels appear on several occasions. They are often greeted with fear. But their admonition is always, “Don’t be afraid.” Jesus repeatedly tells his disciples, “Don’t be afraid.” It is clear from Jesus’ comments that he views fear as the opposite of faith. Or at least as the lack of faith.
When we have faith and trust in God there is no fear in us. Our culture today is filled with fear. Fear of violence and crime. Fear of financial loss. Fear of exclusion from the social groups of which we desire to be a part. Fear controls much of what we think and do today. However, when we have faith in God and trust in his everlasting goodness, fear is not necessary. In fact, if we trust God, fear is not possible. In the beautiful 14th Chapter of John, Jesus tells us: “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
IronMaker’s Daily Challenge: Fear is a choice. Today – just for today – choose to not be afraid.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have given us the gift of free will. Help us to use our will to choose not to be afraid of the things of this world and to trust in you.
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