People have been living in fear for far too long.
The concept of unease or despair has been ever spiraling since the dawn of sin. It has kept humankind going against the joy of the heart that was original to man before offense set in.
Have we noticed how much peace and joy have been sucked out of people? As we move closer to the second advent of Christ, these beautiful elements of Christian-living are depleted from the character of God’s people.
So many of us place the good news of the birth of God’s Son on the back burner and the even better news of our salvation on the cross at the wayside. We would rather bite our nails in anticipation of the world’s next distraction than live as if we are free from those burdens.
Luke 2:10-11
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…”
“Do not be afraid,” is not just for an angelic announcement or a seasonal reading. The angel did not tell the shepherds to step lightly all other days of the year. This was good news for all people, for all times.
We have forgotten to rest in the Lord’s presence but instead, find ourselves wrapped in chaos. The world leaves us with dire feelings of despondency and worldly objectives. Peace has become a foreign element left for Miss America pageants and summits of argumentative global leaders.
What we keep forgetting, Christian, is that Jesus is peace. He is peace.
Proverbs 12:20
Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.
Christ is the author of comfort, joy, hope, life, love, and good tidings. There is no need to fear. We are to know of the comfort of the Lord and to run after it.
We need to remember to cling to Jesus and allow for true peace to enter in. We need to allow for Him to the be the ruler of our hearts in all seasons. It is well past time to rest in the Lord.
How do we do this? How can we move beyond the doubt and disruptions that fill our lives?
God’s Word is not only rich in history. We find communion and guidance in its words. Discernment from the Spirit can and will navigate us through these truths to help us recognize the wealth of wisdom to be had for those who are followers of Christ. It is time to let go of the outside pressures and to run after the Gospel.
