“But Jesus was quick to comfort them. ‘Courage, it’s Me. Don’t be afraid.’”
Matthew 14:27 MSG
For many, Christmas “feels over.” But with Jesus Christmas is never over. With Jesus it is always just beginning and it’s never too late. His mercies are new, afresh and alive every morning, noon and night.
The birth of your Savior’s promises-all you need, all you hope for-draws near. As you labor to enter into His rest, He prepares you for the arrival of His deliverance and restoration. He prepares your heart to be transformed in His love as you expect His goodness to be laid bare.
The world says there is so much to fear; relationships, finances, health, what’s to come, what’s going on around you…what’s going on inside you.
But Jesus says, in Him, you have nothing to fear. His plea to your heart is, “Al Tirah! Fear not beloved! Don’t panic. Don’t be discouraged! Yield to My Presence and not to your fear.”
In the old, when man gave up God’s glory, as the deceiver caused them to doubt God’s Love, Adam hid in shame and said “I was afraid.”
In the new, when God sent His Glory, the lonely and despised were the first to hear Love’s voice announce, “Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy!” (Luke 2:10). Did you know you are His joy? You are the reason He came. You were the joy He suffered for.
He’s reassures you, “I know what you’re going through. I know what you fear. But fear has to do with punishment. Fear screams at you ‘it’s not finished!’ But beloved, I came to set you free from the fear of all forms of death. I buried your judgement, your condemnation, your lack, your sicknesses and your sin-stained blood in the grave. I conquered death. I was raised from the dead because you were fully justified. I satisfied every claim on your life. Now, I AM your covering. I AM always with you. I AM all you need; acceptance, healing, provision, security, comfort, peace… You are not an orphan. You are My child. Let go of your worry and take from Me. Freely I give. Freely receive. Your trust in My Perfect Love for you is the end of your fear. I love you. I love you. I love you.”
“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.”
1 John 4:18 NLT
Resting In His Love,
Annalee Reyes