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We don’t often admit that we are afraid. And, even if we are, we don’t usually phrase it that way. “I am afraid” or “I am fearful” might not be part of our typical vocabulary, but we definitely feel some version of these things. 

Anxiety.
Panic.
Worry.
Stress.
Fear.

We’re living in a fallen world alongside other fallen people. The stress of life sometimes seems too much to bear; the anxiety is all consuming; and the fear is far too real.

Not Supposed To Be Like This

God intended something different for us. Before the fall, in the Garden of Eden, there was pure peace. How do we know this? Because God, the Prince of Peace, was fully present, dwelling among Adam and Eve. 

When sin entered the world, things had to change. A pure and holy God could not be in the presence of sin. God’s presence and peace were still available – but it now looked different. It had to look different. 

After the fall, humans are born with a sinful nature, and a part of that sinful nature is fear. These days, fear manifests itself in a variety of ways:

• I’m anxious about receiving my medical test results from the doctor’s office.
• I’m panicking as I indefinitely wait for an update on my family member overseas.
• I’m worried I won’t make ends meet and rent is due at the end of the month.
• I’m stressed out about the exam I’m studying for. 
• I'm fearful about the future.

Fear's Opposites

When I think about fear, and how to combat it, I think of its opposites. What is the opposite of fear? And how can I incorporate more of what that is into my life? To me, the opposite of fear is:

• Trust
• Gratitude
• Confidence 
• Peace 

As I trust the Lord and remind myself that He is safe to trust – fear dissipates. As I express gratitude for specific blessings from today – fear dissipates. As I confidently declare the goodness of the Lord and share testimonies of His goodness – fear dissipates. As I quiet my mind, set my focus on things of heaven and not of earth and center my heart on God alone – fear dissipates.

I find it much more difficult to be fearful when I am trusting the Lord, expressing gratitude, finding confidence in Him and receiving His perfect peace. 

Do Not Be Afraid

“Fear not” is said to be the most repeated command in the Bible. This short yet powerful phrase is not just an encouragement from the Lord but a command from Him as well, to fear not. We see this sentiment in action this time of year with the Christmas story and the birth of Jesus. 

Mary and Joseph had just made the trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem, found no rooms available in the inn, and moved into the only option for them – the barn. Mary gives birth to the Savior of the world and places Him in a manger. We pick up the story here … 

“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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’ 

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’” (Luke 2:8-15)

Shepherds working in nearby fields ... The night shift in full swing ... An angelic appearance … A terrified reaction from the shepherds … Abounding fear. 

But the angel said to them “Do not be afraid.” Do not be afraid. 

And after the angel said this, an entire company of heavenly hosts appeared with the angel. All to give glory to God, putting praise and attention where it was rightfully due. 

“Glory to God … and peace to those on whom His favor rests.” Peace. 

Peace This Christmas

I don't know what particular life circumstances are causing you to worry. I’m not sure what is keeping you up at night, giving you panic, stressing you out. I can’t predict or describe the root of the fear in your life.

But my hope for you this holiday season is that you can begin to incorporate more of the opposites of fear into your life. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming or costly. But big or small, may you begin to swap out the fear. 

Less fear, more trust.
Less fear, more gratitude.
Less fear, more confidence. 
Less fear, more peace. 

God and His Character

Finding a peace that passes all understanding can only come from the Prince of Peace Himself. You can work this out in your faith journey by declaring what you know about God and His character:

• My God is not a God of confusion or chaos, but a God of peace.
• The peace of Christ is worthy of being the center of my heart. 
• The birth of Jesus brings about true and lasting peace in my life. 
• Since I live by the Spirit, I will keep in step with the Spirit and the fruits of the Spirit – which includes peace.

Who You Are in Christ

Throughout the holidays, ground your life in the peace of Christ by knowing who He is and, therefore, who that makes you:

• I am taking heart – in Jesus, I can find peace, because I know that He has overcome the world.
• I am seeking and pursuing peace – I praise the Lord for the way He watches out for me.
• I am in perfect peace – God keeps those in perfect peace whose mind stays on Him and trusts in Him.

Encouragement

This Christmas season, be encouraged by the peace we can confidently have because of the Lord. He leads us to “fear not”  as He helps us in our times of need and gives us His presence.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)