After a week’s vacation, The Up Devotional is back. Here’s to a holy and healthy 2022!
We are living in a time of upheaval, a stampede of fear.
In general, people can fear illness, job loss, environmental collapse, family breakdown and death.
More recently, the list seems to be getting longer: germs, other people, the loss of normal, an indescribable and creeping gray, or even the news.
Fear is a bully who grows when unchallenged. Fear is a weed in the garden of your mind, and it is happy to take over if you let it.
In Luke 2:10 the angel said to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid.” Notice what is supposed to counteract their fear. It’s the birth of a King. The departure of fear coincides with the arrival of Christ.
Fear retreats where Christ advances.
I’m not saying that you’ll never worry. And I’m not saying you’ll never be afraid. I’m also not saying to throw caution and safety to the wind as we battle a pandemic and a whole host of other things. But what I am saying is that this life is a battleground. The evil forces of our world are trying to take the ground of joy and peace which belongs to Christ.
So talk to God honestly. Take his word seriously. Commit to walk in his ways (not your ways), because God’s plan is always the best plan.
Fear retreats where Christ advances.
Notes:
–“Do not be afraid.” Would you like to hear more? Today’s devotional is related to my sermon from Christmas Eve. You can access video or audio options by clicking here.
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.
The Up Devotional 