Following Jesus at ChristmasSample

“Fear not” is a common phrase found in the Word of God because we tend to move into fear and anxiety. Everything in life is trying to point us to worry and doubt. The news stories and the social media highlights in our feed often give us fresh reasons to fear or be anxious. However, when we fix our eyes on the goodness of God, we begin to see fear defeated. The Bible says that perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). Love, joy, and peace are a few of the key fruits of the Spirit. This means they are an outpouring of the natural flow of the believer’s life. When we spend time reading God’s Word, joining believers in church to worship God, and serving others, the fundamental practices of faith—prayer, giving, and other spiritual disciplines—begin to produce the fruits of joy and peace.

Reflection

• Are you more focused on Jesus or on the difficulties you’re facing?
• Take time today to direct your attention to God.

If you focus on the problem, you’ll find fear grows, but if you focus on Jesus, you’ll find faith grows!