Verse: Matthew 2:22-24:
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.
Devotion
Did you know that the Bible says “Do not fear” 365 times in the Bible? It’s often used as a reminder to not fear each day of the year. But what happens when you are still afraid? What happens when you’ve seen God do the impossible over and over again, but your spirit is still fighting with your inner being to listen and not be afraid. It’s a really hard thing to turn off fear in yourself.
I believe that God understands our emotional turmoil. Like in this passage, God used a father’s fear to guide them to a place they were always supposed to be. Joseph just wanted his family to be safe. God had a plan not only for this family, but for the world. God ultimately guided them to a small town where Jesus would have the chance to grow up and learn safe and unbothered.
Today – what fears are racing through your mind? Let the Holy Spirit speak into our soul “Do not be afraid”. Do not be afraid “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)”. “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you (Isaiah 43:1-2)”. “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid (Psalm 27:1).
Prayer:
I pray that the Holy Spirit is speaking his truths over you today. I pray that fear is radically removed from our lives today and we can walk in the spirit of truth even when we do not understand it all.
Author: Joanna Martin
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