Are you afraid?
I think the initial answer for most people would be a laughing "No, of course not!" or some might share somewhat irrational fears of spiders, shots, airplanes, etc... But most of us would probably not admit to struggling with fear on a daily basis. However, if we dig a little deeper and are honest with ourselves, I think we all deal with fear on different levels - oh, we may call it anxiety or worry, but fear is the very essence - the root cause - of those things.
Some people struggle with worries about their health. Others fear financial instability. Some fear the unknown - new places, people, or even routines. All parents worry about our children at times.
Perhaps, like me, you are sometimes afraid of the future. It's human nature - pride - to want to be in control, and when we release control to God, we may have no idea what's around the next bend - We simply must trust Him to hold our future in His hands and direct us one step at a time. And for people like me who like to plan out just about everything, that can be a teeny bit scary!
Within the next six months, I'll be finishing a terminal degree in education, and my husband and I will be faced with some major decisions about my career and our family's future. I waffle back and forth on what seems like a daily basis between trust and fear about this.
I have no reason not to trust God fully, as He has poured His providence upon my life in too many ways to count, especially over the past few years. It was a leap of faith to pursue this degree, and now it will be another major leap to follow God's calling to whatever is next. And just as soon as I remind myself of that, Satan is whispering in my ear with all kinds of doubts. But, praise the Lord, God gave us His Word which reminds us over and over again not to fear... because He's got it!
This passage, from the Christmas story in Luke 2, was part of my morning devotion today:
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not! for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord.
Now, I've grown up in church for as long as I can remember, so I've heard and read this verse too many times to count. But, just as God promises, His Word is truly "living and active," and it took on a whole new meaning when I read it this morning in light of my present situation.
Over 2,000 years ago, a tiny, helpless baby was born to save the world from our sins - Jesus Christ.
He grew up into a man who was tempted in every way, so He could relate fully with us.
I'm sure Satan tempted Him with fear as well. But because of His great faith,
He overcame.
And today, because of His great love for us, through His great sacrifice of His very life and dignity,
He will take on our fear and replace it with His peace which passes all understanding.
So, just like the shepherds, we can choose to believe and claim the angel's message of Good News... as we live out the command to "Fear not!"
