Binding fears that bind us

It might seem strange writing about Christmas in May, but some of the fears faced that first Christmas can give insight as to how we can defeat some of the fears that bind us and hold us back today. Four times Christmas angels told individuals, “Don’t be afraid!” when they were facing fears that could have stymied them.

Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, faced the fear of disappointment, but the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid. Your prayer has been heard.” (Luke 11:11-13)

Mary, mother of Jesus, faced the fear of being overwhelmed with what was happening to her. Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. So the angel said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for God has decided to bless and use you!” (Luke 1:30)

Joseph, when he found out Mary was pregnant, faced the fear of relationship unfaithfulness and societal disapproval. An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because the child in her is from God’s Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:18-20)

The shepherds faced the fear of a heavenly encounter and change that was happening around them. They were terribly frightened, so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.” (Luke 2:8-10a)

Through their faith and actions, we are shown ways in which we can defeat these fears that might otherwise defeat us:

1. Surrender our lives to God daily.

“Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever God wants for my life!’” (Luke 1:38a NIV)
“Surrender your heart to God, turn to Him in prayer…Then you won't be ashamed; you will be confident and fearless. Your troubles will go away like water beneath a bridge, and your darkest night will be brighter than noon. Then you’ll rest safe and secure, filled with hope and emptied of worry!” (Job 11:13-18 CEV)

2. Stop listening to voices of fear.

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9 NIV)

3. Fill our lives and minds with God thoughts and music of the heart.

“Then Mary sang, ‘With all my heart I praise the Lord! I rejoice in God my Savior, for He notices and cares for me, a simple servant girl! He has blessed me, and He is the Mighty One who is holy…He is All-Powerful…He can do anything…He meets all our needs…and He keeps His promises!’” (Luke 1:46-56 NIV)

4. Stand on the promises of God. Hold to the belief that God will do what He said.

Elizabeth said to Mary, “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said.” (Luke 1:45 NLT)
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in God. And when I trust in God, I am not afraid! I praise Him for what He has promised.” (Psalm 56:3-4a NIV)