January 23, 2008

 

“Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

 

--John 14:27

 

One of the greatest themes that we find in the story of Jesus’ birth and life is “do not fear.” We see it when the angel spoke to Joseph and we see it when the angels speak to the shepherds the night Jesus was born. “Do… not… fear.”

 

Do these words from God have special meaning for you today?

 

Maybe you’re experiencing pain and suffering in your life right now, and you don’t understand why. Maybe you’re struggling with terrible troubles or disease or difficulties. And maybe this has you wondering where God is in the midst of it all!

 

If so, remember that as a child of God, He is with you. He will never leave or forsake you. This means you’re never alone!

 

And remember, God didn’t just speak with words. He came. He came to restore a broken relationship. He came in love and devotion and He sacrificed His life and His love… not with words or platitudes or clichés… but with a cross and with a promise to love you forever.

 

If you haven’t done so in a while, I’d like to encourage you to take a couple of minutes today and thank God that He came to earth… and that He’s given you, through His Son, a way to escape fear and worry.

 

And then, claim today’s verse, which says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

 

REMEMBER THAT AS HIS CHILD, JESUS WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU!