Overcome Fear to Hear God’s Good News for You
By: Whitney Hopler
Bible Reading:
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’” – Luke 2:8-11, NIV
On the first Christmas, the shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem were just watching their flocks on a quiet night, when suddenly, the glory of the Lord shone around them, and an angel of the Lord appeared. The angel’s very first words to the terrified were a loving command: “Do not be afraid.”
The message the angel carried from God was too good to be blocked by fear. The news of a Savior for the world was meant to bring “great joy,” but the shepherds couldn’t fully hear a message of joy if their minds were preoccupied with panic.
How often has fear kept you from fully perceiving and accepting the good news that God sends your way?
Think about what you’re feeling afraid of right now. The fear of failure can stop you from trying something new or stepping out in faith, even when God is calling you to do so. The fear of rejection can keep you silent about your faith or cause you to hide your true self, making you feel isolated instead of enjoying the relationships God wants you to enjoy. The fear of the unknown can push you to cling to your own plans and miss out on the wonderful, unexpected blessings God places in your path.
Fear can be like static that interferes with your ability to hear God’s clear voice being broadcast to you. On the first Christmas, God gave the shepherds the ultimate good news, that the world’s Savior had arrived. But God continues to give good news every day. When you’re afraid, you can miss the good news God is trying to deliver to you. In order to hear it clearly, you have to follow the angel’s simple command: “Do not be afraid.”
You can do so by focusing on the news rather than the noise. The shepherds looked at the terrifying glory of God, but they didn’t let their fear of it stop them from listening to the angel delivering God’s message. You need to focus on God speaking to you through his Holy Spirit (the news) instead of on the circumstances that are making you feel afraid (the noise).
God’s good news for you will cause you to experience great joy. Joy is much greater than happiness – it’s a strong confidence that, because the Savior is here with you, everything (even the most challenging circumstances) will ultimately work out well for you.
So, the next time fear tries to interfere with you hearing God’s messages, remind yourself of the angel’s words: “Do not be afraid.” Push past your fear, open your mind and heart, and listen carefully. Joy is waiting for you!
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As you consider why it’s important to overcome fear to hear God’s good news for you, reflect on these questions:
- What type of fear (such as the fear of failure or the fear of rejection) is making it hard for you to hear God’s positive messages for you right now?
- In what areas of your life have you let the “glory of the Lord” – God’s presence – cause you to panic instead of paying close attention to God’s messages?
- How can reminding yourself that Jesus is the world’s Savior, with unlimited power, help you silence fearful thoughts?
- What’s one “good news” message – like one of God’s promises – from the Bible that you can focus on to replace a recurring fear?
- The angel promised “great joy.” How can you take a step of faith this week to move out of fear and toward embracing joy?
Further Reading:
Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 56:3
2 Timothy 1:7
John 14:27
1 John 4:18
How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/rudall30
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