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Fear Not

“Whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
Proverbs 1:33
 
Fear not.
 
The words of the angel to Mary, the words of the angels to the shepherds, the words of the angel to Joseph when he discovers Mary is pregnant: “Fear not.”
 
I understand that the phrases ‘fear not’ or ‘do not be afraid’ together appear 365 times in the Bible—one for each day of the year.
 
I have often thought that fear is the emotion that stops me from making poor choices, and keeps me alert to potential threats and dangers. However, I now suspect that fear is the thing that saps me of energy, destroys my sleep and robs me of peace.
 
Instead of keeping me safe, fear actually keeps me in a state of perpetual readiness for danger—even when there is no danger. I am either thinking ahead to a future situation or imagining a host of scenarios that may never happen.
 
Fear is not about safety, it is about control.
 
Watchfulness is about safety: observing the world around us, noticing patterns. And so, as well as keeping us safe, awareness helps us live our life in each moment, noticingyesthe dangers and threats, but also realizing the beauty and provisions of God all around us too. As we know the certainty and security that Jesus offers, we are freed to live watchful and waiting lives, ready to see and listen and engage.
 
Today, instead of a spirit of fear, can you find a joyful watchfulness in all you encounter?
The Rev. Jane P. Ferguson
Associate for Family and Student Ministries
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