“Do Not Fear” Seems to be a Theme Here

Those three words “Do not fear” pack a punch, don’t they? While I stay on the bandwagon about living by trust and faith, the fact is I am not so Pollyanna-ish that I am unaware of the fears we all face: taking care of bills, repairs, health concerns, pain and struggling relationships, etc.. And, I'm very cognizant of the seriousness of those who are at the end of their rope in coping with fear. It is no laughing and quick-fix matter.

So where do we start when worry, fear and concern dominate our lives? Can we live above our fears? Or at least quiet their gnarly voices? I really feel this season puts the answers for us in neon, flashing lights. By this season I don’t mean the "Christmas carols playing, Santa ho-ho-hoing, colored lights and sentimental old Christmas movies." I mean how Christmas can point us to deeper sources of hope, courage and fearlessness.

Those of us in the Christian tradition believe that this time of year presents us with the answers we need that can change the whole picture. No wonder the angels announce to the main characters in this drama, “Do not be afraid.” Mary hears it. Joseph hears it. The shepherds, scared witless by all the radiance in the sky, hear it from a chorus of angels. No wonder “Don’t be afraid” appears in the Bible more than 100 times.

It sure sounds like God delights in turning around “fearing times into holy, providential moments" of His presence and His promises to keep us in spite of times of fear.

But God. The ONE and ONLY -- the same God Who told Mary, Joseph and the shepherds to not be afraid, is still telling us "Do not be afraid." The "Do Not Fear" words don’t sound like a suggestion to me. Why does God COMMAND us not to be afraid when every day there are situations that occur and it seems impossible NOT to fear?

Throughout the Bible we learn that our Lord is a Lord of miracles and we are not to fear or have a lack of trust, because all of it, even the tough times, even in the uncertainty of the 21st century (or the 1st century) God’s plan is greater than our fears. So whether in this season, or the days to come, let’s remember that the perfect love of God casts out fear. The message of the Angel of the Lord is for every day - not just Christmas… “Fear not, for I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people. For unto you is born this day … a SAVIOR which is Christ the LORD! (Luke 2:9-11) Picture the God of the universe handing you his Son, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Hear him say, "Don't be afraid of anything….ever. I give you joy. I give you peace. I give you comfort. I give you hope. I give you good news of great joy! I give you peace that passes understanding. I give the the perfect love that casts out all fear. I give you JESUS!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear.” Psalm 41:1-2

Stop, Drop and Pray

Day 230 of Photo Inspirations -- Stop, Drop and Pray
What do you do when you see someone hanging on for dear life to the very end of their rope? They've done their best to stay positive, to be brave and courageous, to smile when the wind is blowing the hardest, to keep standing when it would be easier to fall -- YET, this day -- they caved under the load.

That happened today when "it was the last straw" for a dear friend who has been through so much. She said, "I can't take it anymore!"  So, what should we do at times like this?  We can reach our arms out in a sweet embrace and say "It's gonna' be alright!"  Or, we can say "I'll be praying for you!"

OR, we can STOP -- DROP -- and PRAY!  If that friend was in a burning house, would we tell her "We'll be praying for you! It's gonna' be alright!" Or, would we run in and grab hold of her and pull her out of the fire.

Today, we did STOP -- DROPPED -- and PRAYED!  There was no sense in just comforting her or speaking positive words to her.  It was time for a breakthrough and time to serve notice on the enemy that he has lost his fight.  When Goliath had gotten on little David's last nerve, David picked up a stone and sling and took Goliath down with one fell swoop.  There are just times when we have to take matters into God's hands through strong, fervent, faith-in-action prayers.

There were three of us in prayer for her and it wasn't "Now I lay me down to sleep" prayers -- it was "When the enemy comes in.....LIKE A FLOOD, God raises up a standard" kind of prayer.  I don't know if the turnaround has taken place for her yet, but I do know she calmed down and peace overtook her.

And the best part, after she left to go home, we found a card on a table that we hadn't seen there before, and didn't know who put it there.  The card had written on it in calligraphy, "Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone.  My help comes from Him." Psalm 62:5.   We ran out to give her the card to confirm to her that God heard our prayers.  I like to think that GOD did show up when we called upon Him, to confirm "He's got this!"  And, He's GOT THIS -- for you, too, today!  Maybe it's time for you to STOP, DROP and PRAY!