Physical darkness is, in itself, just a part of nature. I love to get up early in the morning and have my quiet time while it is getting light. It is fear that causes darkness in my life. We know that more unpleasant things happen during the nights. There are more traffic accidents and more crimes, and when we are seriously ill we fear the nights, because it might be more difficult to get help. Since the Gulf war I have another fear, the fear of war. Some fears we do not know until we get into a certain situation, like the fear of flying.
As a Christian I think we should not have any fear, but this is not the case for many of us. Once I was surprised not to have fear. I have been working in a Christian bookshop for several years. I felt a very strong call from the Lord for this work and I did not want anyone to interrupt my work there. The shop was not appreciated by everyone. Some ultra-orthodox Jews would come in regularly. They always came together. They threatened, they did damage to the shop, and they tried to scare me. It did not work. They did not do it because of something I had done to them. They did it because I am a Christian and for no other reason. I had no feelings of hatred towards them. I always had compassion and realized that they could be as devoted to God and their religion as Paul was. If God could change Paul's life, he could do the same with these men.
Fear will only be removed when we put our lives into God's hands. Unless we do wrong or stupid things, our life is God's responsibility. When we place our lives in his hands, we will discover that each fear is an opportunity for a new commitment to God. It actually brings us closer to him. It will give us victory and will bring him glory.
Real freedom is being free from fear! How much we need God for this freedom!
"Do not be afraid-I am with you! I am your God-let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you." (Isaiah 41:10)
- 22 DECEMBER -