Our GRAND-daughter and her brother were visiting for our annual Mana-Poppa Camp. While here they share a bedroom taking turns on the top bunk. We were up late that July night and the starless, moonless sky emphasized the dark, the very scary dark.
Ashlyn, snuggled in the top bunk with her favorite bedtime softy, was feeling a mite insecure; even the nightlight provided little comfort. We tried reasoning; our words fell on deaf ears. Her brother offered the bottom bunk (which was even darker); no deal. Nothing helped.
Except Ashlyn is a singer. That was the key. We started with the words of Philippians 4:6, and created a song to the tune of Jingle Bells. (Thank you to brother Jack for that inspiration.)
Jingle bells, jingle bells, don’t worry about anything. Jingle bells, jingle bells, no matter what happens. Jingle bells, jingle bells, tell God about everything. Ask and pray, give thanks to Him. Philippians 4:6, HEY!
Ashlyn’s fear did not have the huge implications of the fear of Zechariah and Mary recorded in Luke 1. For them it wasn’t a dark scary night, it was a personal encounter with the angel Gabriel. “Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear…” Luke 1:12, NLT; Mary was “confused and disturbed”. Luke 1:29 NLT. Gabriel’s words were the same to both, don’t be afraid.
Gabriel emphasized to Zechariah, “I stand in the presence of God”. With Mary, “The Lord is with you”. His life-altering words cradled in God’s with-ness communicated they needn’t fear.
Just as for Zechariah and Mary, God is near to us. He whispers into our scaries, I am near, do not be afraid. Philippians 4:5,6 (my paraphrase).
Whether our fears rest in life changing realities that shake and overwhelm or temporary concerns that confuse and disturb, God is near. God cares.
Ashlyn fell asleep that night quietly singing her new song over and over and experiencing God’s nearness. The next morning she ran sparkly eyed and all excited into the kitchen to tell me that Philippians 4:6 reminded her of Isaiah 41:10, another fear not verse that she had sung about in the children’s choir earlier in the spring. It was an ah-ha moment for her.
All our words the night before could not assuage her feelings; but when God’s words were introduced, she was a changed little girl. The power of the gospel!
Like Ashlyn, in my fears I too need to remind myself over and over of truth. For me it is usually not in song, but in prayer as I review scriptures and ask God, What does it look like to trust this truth today in this situation?
The good news of the gospel is we do not need to live with fear. God IS NEAR! The gospel is so much more than the celebration of a birth, it is the continuing power of God at work in our lives.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel;
it is the power of God …”
Romans 1:16
What is creating angst in your heart this Advent season? How will you hear God’s do not be afraid? What scriptures might God want to speak to you? How do you experience God’s nearness? How will you remember … put them to music, memorize them, pray through them? If you’d like to share your fear, I’m glad to pray with you.