Do Not Be Afraid

In the Bible, there are 365 invitations to not be afraid. "Fear not!" and "Do not be afraid!" 

Yet, fear is real. It happens. And we seem to enjoy it... From Halloween haunted houses to horror films to thriller novels ... there is an industry of fear, to keep our pulses racing.

And aside from those adrenaline-raising earthly experiences, there are other realities. Sure, we can name our individual  fears: snakes, for me, or for some the ghoulies and night-bumping unknowns of the traditional Scottish prayer pictured here. 

Society has fears, too: COVID-19 is scary, as is threat of conflict or financial collapse or ... The list continues.

And in each of these fears, we are invited to reflect that they are earthly. They are worldly. And they are (humanly so!) instinctive. Fear is a biological response, one that can keep us healthy. Fear can be a very good and helpful thing (in moderation!)

So where does the biblical mandate fit in to that? Well, if we look at the context of these... In each time, there's a reason (either present or rapidly approaching!) for fear. Ethereal other-worldly messengers popping in to this realm usually signify significt change... Danger is at hand... The biological desire for health and safety is about to be threatened... 

And yet: do not be afraid. 

Notice, it never says "be fearless!" nor "nothing to worry about!". Rather, it gives a moment for intentional reflection and introspection, a time for careful analysis of the circumstance, an opportunity to prepare a response instead of a reaction. 

And, a reminder of the covenental commitment that whatever is about to happen, we will not face it alone: for God is with us. 

So: whatever may come at us on earth, we have God giving us the spiritual grace to pause and pray, to prepare our souls for whatever may come, and to rest in the sustaining peace of Christ. 

So truly, we ought not be afraid.