“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” Psalm 56:3

Don’t Be Afraid

When the angel came to Mary, to Joseph, and to the shepherds, the common theme was, “Do not fear, do not be afraid.” It’s a good thing they said that because, well—angels! You might be a little nervous! I’m so glad that God knew they would need to hear those simple words: “Do not fear.”  

In fact, “Do not fear, do not be afraid” are instructions mentioned more than any other command in the Bible. One study I looked at said it’s mentioned over 365 times in the Word. God knew we’d need to be reminded of this simple instruction over and over, even daily, as we face situations in our lives.

On this unexpected journey we’ve been on, I’ve heard God whisper it to my heart many times. And I remind myself repeatedly that I don’t need to be afraid. With God holding my right hand, walking with me, carrying me—I don’t need to fear anything that comes my way.

But sometimes it’s easier said than done. I have had to face so many HUGE issues on this journey. I can say I don’t need to fear, but it’s much harder to get rid of very normal, human fears that pop up. A key for me has been bringing my fear into the light, into the truth of God’s word. Fear tends to thrive in the dark and in the mind. By speaking out my fear, the Lord can help me.

When I speak my fear to the Lord, it allows Him to lift it from my mind and my heart. He can then carry the “burden” of that fear. He is able to pour His peace into my soul. He is able to shed truth and revelation into the fear so that it loses its power.

I’m so grateful for God’s clear instruction to us to “fear not.”

God isn’t saying there’s nothing to be afraid of. Life is scary—there are frightening things that come. But He’s saying we don’t need to fear because of who HE is in the scary things of life! And often when He gives the command to not fear (it’s a command, not a suggestion), it’s followed by His action, His response, His help.

Like Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds in the Christmas story—we don’t need to fear! God is with us!

“Lord, as we face the huge issues that come into our lives, help us not to fear but to place our feet firmly on the Rock of Christ, and realize that we do not need to fear. Amen.”