God’s Calming Words
As the angel appeared to Zechariah, we read: “When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah” (Luke 1:12–13 NIV11)
Zechariah was startled and gripped with fear. For many, Christmas time is a time of joy and care-free fun. For others it’s a time of isolation, grief and sadness.
Christmas has a way of bringing out the things that are missing in our lives! We miss those we’ve lost most of all at Christmas time, usually. Perhaps we miss our old lives, Christmas memories of happier times cause us to lament the way things are now.
There’s also a chance that our Christmas time is filled with fear. I know here in South Africa crime usually goes up in December. We all have to be vigilant.
Overcoming Fear: God's Reassurance in Times of Doubt
But there are deeper fears at play in our lives around Christmas. We fear having failed this year. We fear the future, perhaps. Maybe we even fear God, because as we look back at our year we realise that there are good reasons he might have to reject us.
Zechariah saw this angel, and he was gripped with fear. No doubt the angel was an impressive and terrifying sight. I wonder what was going through his mind? Maybe he thought he was about to die, and he thought oh I should have made amends… I should have changed this… I shouldn’t have done that… but now it’s too late, and I’m gonna get whacked!
The angel looks at him and says “do not be afraid Zechariah”. Do you need to hear those calming words from God today? Put your own name in there… do not be afraid Luke!
I have been pastoring the Church of the Nazarene in Boksburg for just over a year now, and I have had moments where I’ve thought to myself “I can’t do this. I dunno if I have it in me. I’m afraid I’m going to just get this all wrong and disappoint God and everyone else.” But you know what I see as I page through the Bible day after day? Fear not! Do NOT be afraid! Words like these today, or like these from Joshua 1:9 have kept me alive: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Faith Over Fear: Embracing God's Presence
It’s easy to get gripped by fear in this world. To get paralyzed by fear. But when our faith is in GOD, and when we remain close with him and prayerful and attentive to his words, time and time again he reminds us “no need to be afraid. I’m here. I’m with you. Go on!”
Hear Him today saying to you “Don’t be afraid! I am here for you.”
And walk on in faith.
