The world can be an intimidating place! The enemies of God abound and they hate God’s people. While it is considered politically incorrect to criticize other faiths, people often feel complete freedom to scoff at the claims and practices of Christians. If we are not careful, we can be cowed into silence and fear the forces of darkness.
It is not surprising that whenever heavenly visitors spoke to people, their first words were generally “Peace” or “Be not afraid!” This was first because the messengers themselves often invoked terror to those who heard them. Second, it was because God’s people often were wracked with fear and anxiety.
Don’t be surprised if God urges you to fear not. While He may not remove your critics or opponents, He will bring you peace. He can calm your heart in the midst of the fiercest storm. He can provide spiritual tranquility even as your enemies shout their vilest threats. Anxiety and fear arises from a lack of faith. We do not truly believe God will do in our lives what He promised in Scripture. We worry we might be the first person God fails to protect or guide.
Our focus needs to be on the risen Christ who says “peace” rather than on the sound of our enemy’s footsteps outside the door. If we will focus on Him and do what He says, we will be amazed at how the problems around us fade away in their power to alarm us.