As you may know, "fear not" (in some form or fashion) is in the Bible a significant number of times. It can include, do not worry, don't be afraid, or other variations. They all mean the same for us. This must mean that God does not want us to be anxious or afraid! However, as I am sure you know, humans worry. As an avid worrier myself, I know it is all too easy to get caught up in apprehensions and anxieties and not focus on God as I should. Many things can cause us to worry: relationships with friends, schoolwork, family members, exams, peoples' opinions, what to wear tomorrow, or even if your favorite sports team will win the championship. Are these things worth worrying for?
Some people say that worry is a sin. Since it is the most repeated command in the Bible, God obviously wanted to make a point. But why does God not want us to worry? When we worry, is it not like saying that we do not trust God or His plan for our life? "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) If you believe this verse, then there is no reason to worry about your life or what is happening. Furthermore, God tells us specifically not to: Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes" Luke 12:22-23.
If you were trying to make it out of a complicated maze, would you feel safe following the guidance and assistance of a person in a helicopter with an aerial view, a map, and extreme foresight? Well, of course! They know which way you should go, what will happen, and how to safely get out of the maze. This is how we should look at our lives: we are the vehicles and God has the road-map. We should bask in the faithfulness of God--knowing that everything will work out as it should in the end. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Although we might be hesitant at several forks or turns in the road, "there are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind" (C.S. Lewis).
Sometimes what we need to obtain is the innocent and pure child-like faith of the young--openly trusting with complete devotion and acceptance. Luke 18:17: "Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." This, in itself, is pleasing to God.So as you go about your Christmas holiday, be conscious of God's presence in your life, and try not to worry. It is easy not to worry in the good times--but anxiety can attempt to take over in the bad. No matter what the circumstances are, turn them over to God, and let Him do his perfect will in every situation.
~M
{Other verses to look at}
-Isaiah 41:10
-Joshua 1:9
-Romans 15:13
-1 John 4:4
