You Have Nothing To Fear

Question to think about: Are you fearless?

I have a friend that is incredibly smart. The thing is . . . he can not only see problems for what they are . . . but the plausible outcome. Those of us that listen to him could easily become anxious . . . worried . . . stressed . . . and fearful when he describes the horrible . . . no good . . . down-right depressing problems that loom in the future from the problems of the present.

When anxiety begins to creep in . . . I remember that my friend has failed to remember that God broke through the plight of humanity. Lamentations 3 speaks the great truth into our spirit for us not to be consumed with problems but with the presence of God:

Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
(Lamentations 3:19-21, NIV)

The above passage needs to be anchored into the core of our being. We do not need to be stuck in fear but can be renewed every day in the love of God. We need to stop . . . breathe . . . focus on the presence of God . . . remembering the faithfulness of God . . . refusing to be ruled by fear . . . choosing to respond in faith . . . believing the mercy of God is new every day . . . trusting God will be faithful to provide a way through absolutely every problem.

Look at Mary. Gabriel came and announced that God would break through humanity by using her. Though her life would never be the same, the angel assured her that she had nothing to fear:
She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, "Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great,
be called 'Son of the Highest.'
The Lord God will give him
the throne of his father David;
He will rule Jacob's house forever—
no end, ever, to his kingdom." (Luke 1:29-33, The Message)

The angel brought the good news that God broke through humanity.
God continually breaks through . . . with love that is beyond comprehension . . . making the day new . . . bringing hope.
Refocus.
God is with us. There is nothing to fear.
Give up one thing (fast) until the New Year for more time and clarity with God . . . ask God to remove your fear and fill you with faith.
Celebrate the presence of God!

Learning with you not to fear.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)