Greater Than Our Fears

The emotion of fear is a gift from God.

Fear protects us from danger.

Fear keeps us alive.

Fear is wired into our survival instinct.

Fear becomes problematic when we are fearful in the absence of danger.

Jesus’ miraculous birth declares God’s nearness.

Our God is a God who desires to come near.

And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the LORD their God.Exodus 29:45-46

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.John 14:23

The birth of Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit, declares that God is intimately involved in our world and personal lives, confronting every fear with His presence.

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.Psalm 56:3

The presence of God brings comfort and banishes fear.

God is so tuned into our tendency for anxiety that He commands us hundreds of times to not be afraid.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Isaiah 41:10

Jesus’ arrival was meant to address our sinfulness, and also to engage our fear.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.John 14:27

The perfect love of God casts out fear.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.1 John 4:18

Jesus fulfills God’s promise of peace.

Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the stillness in your soul that comes from the presence of God.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:6-7

Peace is a product of the Holy Spirit governing your heart.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.Galatians 5:22-23

The presence of Jesus quiets our storms.

As God with us, Jesus personally enters our chaos, replacing fear and anxiety with His sustaining peace every moment we choose to trust Him.

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.Hebrews 13:5-6

We can give Jesus our fears. He wants them.

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.1 Peter 5:7

Live in the reality of the nearness of Jesus. He’s not disconnected and unavailable, but His Spirit lives in you.

Bring every fear and anxious thought directly to Jesus in prayer, trusting His promise to cast out anxiety through His nearness.

Let go of self-reliance and lean on Emmanuel’s love, allowing Him to fill every fearful space with peace.

Memorize and meditate on God’s promises when anxiety threatens your peace. Jesus has already overcome.

The enemy wants you to fear because when you’re fearful, you’re easier to control. Reject fear and protect your peace.