Why Do You Fear?

Why Do You Fear?

Luke 2.8-12

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

Everyone has something they are afraid of. Robbery, murder, a terminal illness, the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job. We live in a world of fear. Fear is a natural response to the sinful world in which we live. Fear is nothing new; billions of people are experiencing it every day, and have experienced since the Fall. We see an example of fear in the Christmas story. We read that “[a]n angel of the Lord appeared to [shepards living out in the fields nearby].” When “the glory of the Lord shone around them,” the shepards “were terrified.” We do not know what the angels looked like or what it was that made them so frightening to behold, but we do know the shepherds were afraid, and they were afraid for no good reason.

That is the thing about fear—it is often a useless emotional response. Many of us are afraid of things we cannot control, and which it will do us no good to fear. We cannot simply wish away our problems with fear. The Father tells us that we “did not receive a spirit that makes [us] a slave again to fear, but [we] received the Spirit of sonship [and cry] 'Abba, Father'” (Rom. 8.15). The Lord commands us away from fear because that is not the Spirit we were given as Christians. We are to look to God as our heavenly father, since we have “received the Spirit of sonship.” We cry out, “Abba, Father”--Daddy, Daddy!

When we fear, we miss out on being a part of the opportunities God has planned for His kingdom. If only the shepards hadn't been so afraid, perhaps they would have enjoyed the moment of revelation even more. Similarly, if only we would cast aside our fears, imagine the incredible things God could do. If only we had boldness in us! Imagine how God's Kingdom could work in the lives of a dying world!

What is it you are holding onto today? What are you afraid of? Whatever it is, take it to the Lord. Say, “Lord, I don't want this fear anymore; take it away in the name of Jesus.” Allow the foundation of the Lord to be your rock and shelter—your mighty fortress, safe and secure. After all, “[i]f God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8.28). Amen.



With love in Christ,




Austin Aldrich