“Do not be afraid (Fear not); for behold, I bring you good news of great joy…” Luke 2:10 (NASB2020)
Those words are meaningful and bring comfort to many. Tragically, there also many whose lives are overrun by fear. It’s almost like they live in a perpetual horror movie. Afraid of the dark. Afraid of what lurks behind the door. Afraid of every person. Afraid of taking a step into the unknown. Paul David Tripp wrote: “There’s nothing that could ever be known, exposed, or revealed about you that isn’t covered by the present grace that is yours because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.” (O Come Let us Adore Him-p.141)
The December 20th devotion from Our Daily Bread had the story of Linus from the Peanuts comic strip. Linus had a blue security blanket. He knew he should depend on it less but had trouble parting with it.
In the movie “A Charlie Brown Christmas” when a frustrated Charlie Brown asks, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus steps forward, with security blanket in hand, and quotes Luke 2: 8-14. When he hits “Fear not” he drops his blanket-the thing he clung to when afraid.
That begs the question: what do you cling to? What is your security blanket? Remember the Scripture says, “Fear not.” At this time of the year, don’t you think it is good time to lay aside that heavy weight and trust Him for your security?
“Father, help me to lay aside that which I am afraid of and lean on You more.”
In all the years I’ve watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” I never caught that moment you’ve shared here, Bill. It is so significant!
Let us not cling to fear this season, but trust in the Lord for all things.
Blessings!
Those are powerful words Martha: “Let’s not cling to fear.” Unfortunately, many are being chained by it again.
In a time where fear appears to be the primary motivation tool, it is good to be reminded that we as followers of Christ have absolutely nothing to fear. We may suffer loss, we may find ourselves in situations outside our control, we may even have this life taken, however, we will NEVER be so far gone where God can’t reach deep into our pit and pull us out.
There is no doubt in my mind Ryan that fear seems to be running rampant again. I love the point you make about never being so far gone.