Fear not

This student was so nervous giving her speech that her
friend came up to hold her notes.

"Don't be afraid, Mary," said the angel, "for you have found favor with God."

"Fear not," said the angel to the shepherds, "For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."

"Fear not" said the angel as he spoke to Joseph. "Don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The baby in her is from the Holy Spirit."

As I read the Christmas story this year, this phrase kept hitting me in the face. Now, I'm not exactly a fearful person most of the time. My parents have been known to call me "No-Fear Abby." But there are things that worry me. The future is one. There are elements of my future which I can't really control.

Yet, that which is of God is not to be feared.

Joshua was told multiple times (by God and by Moses) "Don't be afraid. God is with you."

And as much as "perfect love casts out fear," perfect trust does too. Fear looks at the uncertainty, trust looks at the one in Whom we're certain. He will never leave us, nor forsake us, and therefore we will not fear.

What worries you? Are there things in your life which you must believe God about when he says not to fear?

Here's one of my favorite songs about being victorious. From Rend Collective: