Afraid
Flying recently for the first time in 27 years had me in a panic. It’s not that I’ve never flown, I have, even across the Atlantic and the Pacific! But the fear threatened to cripple me. My sweet friend mentioned this “obstacle” I was experiencing in front of her four year old granddaughter, who asked the question, “What is she scared of?” That’s a good question to ask every now and then, isn’t it?
When the shepherds saw the extraordinary star the night of our Lord’s birth, and the angels in great number singing praise in chorus, of course they felt fear! But the angels told them not to be afraid. It’s a natural inclination to fear, especially something as grand as that must have been! But we tend to worry and fret over the small stuff, too.
Jesus taught His disciples to prioritize Kingdom things over earthly matters. “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” Matthew 6:31-33
In the gospel of John, Jesus tells His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be with them, to lead and guide them in their ministry of the Gospel. We are not alone! “Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.” John 14:27
The prophet Daniel told King Belshazzar that his very life-breath and all his ways, were in the Hand of God. (Daniel 5:23) God is sovereign. We are not. But when our eyes are fixed on Him, we can rest in that very truth. When our mantle clock’s batteries died, it was hard to keep the time of day straight! I didn’t realize how much I glanced at it during the day. But it’s easy to become worrisome and troubled when our eyes are not on our Saviour, but on the shifting and unstable world around us.
What are you afraid of? Maybe an important relationship is on the brink. Bills are piling up and your back account is going down. Aging parents, corrupt world systems, and uncertain days to come. Believer, join me in learning from this precious four year old! Let’s walk into the New Year trusting in the wonderful assurance of His presence and His provision. It’s all we need. Don’t be afraid.
When the shepherds saw the extraordinary star the night of our Lord’s birth, and the angels in great number singing praise in chorus, of course they felt fear! But the angels told them not to be afraid. It’s a natural inclination to fear, especially something as grand as that must have been! But we tend to worry and fret over the small stuff, too.
Jesus taught His disciples to prioritize Kingdom things over earthly matters. “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” Matthew 6:31-33
In the gospel of John, Jesus tells His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be with them, to lead and guide them in their ministry of the Gospel. We are not alone! “Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.” John 14:27
The prophet Daniel told King Belshazzar that his very life-breath and all his ways, were in the Hand of God. (Daniel 5:23) God is sovereign. We are not. But when our eyes are fixed on Him, we can rest in that very truth. When our mantle clock’s batteries died, it was hard to keep the time of day straight! I didn’t realize how much I glanced at it during the day. But it’s easy to become worrisome and troubled when our eyes are not on our Saviour, but on the shifting and unstable world around us.
What are you afraid of? Maybe an important relationship is on the brink. Bills are piling up and your back account is going down. Aging parents, corrupt world systems, and uncertain days to come. Believer, join me in learning from this precious four year old! Let’s walk into the New Year trusting in the wonderful assurance of His presence and His provision. It’s all we need. Don’t be afraid.
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