Do Not Be Afraid!

“Do not be afraid.”

Enemies on every side? “Do not be afraid.”

Uncertain circumstances? “Do not be afraid.”

Someone speaking lies and poisoning minds about you? “Do not be afraid.”

Curses and the powers of other gods threated against you? “Do not be afraid.”

A task set before you that seems overwhelming? “Do not be afraid.”

Over and over in the Scriptures, when His people faced hardship, hurt, and harm, God reminded them “Do not be afraid. I AM with you.”

How fitting, then, that when angelic messengers announced the birth of Messiah, Emmanuel, God with us, they began their announcement with, “Do not be afraid.”

Finally, the peaceful confidence that had been whispered to faithful individuals could be shouted from the heavens; now every person had access to Good News that there was no longer cause for fear.

Messiah had been born and would complete His purpose. He would topple the powers that held the whole earth captive: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride, self-centeredness, idolatry, death. Everything that causes mankind to war inwardly or outwardly would be conquered. Power and authority would be held in His righteous hand and given freely to those who would choose His Kingdom over their own small domains.

Yet, many of us remain terrorized by already-defeated foes.

Many of us cower and hide when troubles arise, believing that no help will come.

He has already come. He is "God With Us" still.

May your eyes be opened to the freedom that He brings. May your mind be convinced that He is the True King who has overcome every enemy that you face. May your heart bow to Him as Lord so that you may become a citizen of His Kingdom. May your desires derive from what He loves. May you find yourself standing tall, shoulders squared, eyes clear, heartbeat steady, confidence in every line of your being as you face whatever you face this season, knowing that I AM is with you. Do not be afraid.