This Advent season, with our minds on gift-giving and all the things we would like to be able to do and share with others, we are taking time to give to God the things we think He might want the most.
Today, we are putting all our fears in a box, wrapping it with repentance, and tying it up with the Word of the Lord:
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18, NIV)
What could He want more? Oh, if we would BOLDLY approach the throne of grace! (Hebrews 4:16). If we would exchange our fear for the knowledge of His nearness! (Isaiah 41:10). Shall we not have the peace that Jesus promised, absolutely free from fear? (John 14:27)
He wants to be known, at Christmas and always, He somehow, wonderfully, wants us to know Him, and we cannot know Him as He is through the veil of human fear.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Father God, we surrender our fears at Your feet. We say that, to fear You unrighteously is never to know You as You are, and our carnal, unbelieving fears have separated us from Who You Are. We won’t even fear that we cannot stop fearing and fretting, for YOU WILL HELP US, and You will deliver us from our fears, according to Your Word. We won’t be afraid, You will do this! Our gift to You will bless us forever …
I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
(Psalm 34:4, KJV)
Sassoferrato, The Virgin in Prayer, 1640-1650
unafraid – aren’t you glad Mary did not turn away in fear?
by permission, Wikipedia, public domain, death of the artist
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