Advent Devotional: Day 16
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Since this is an Advent devotional, I was somewhat surprised to get this verse. Interestingly, my monthly Bible study when I received this verse was entitled, “The Truth About Anxiety: Calming Your Soul in a Chaotic World.” No coincidence! I soon discovered how often the words fear and anxiety appear in scripture, usually accompanied by the word “don’t.” God fully understands that fear and anxiety are a struggle for us humans, especially in light of current events in our world!
Fear can be a normal physiological response to danger. However, the fear/anxiety that God was addressing through the Apostle Paul refers to plain old worry, which crosses the line into problematic when we allow ourselves to ruminate on the “what if’s” in life.
Let’s look at one of the main characters of the Christmas story who experienced a series of very unexpected events and gave us a shining example of how to handle potential fear and worry in a way that honors God.
Mary of Nazareth was a very young, devout Jewish girl, who was, unsurprisingly, a virgin. Surprising Event #1.
One day, an angel appeared to her. Surprising Event #2.
He told her she was going to have a baby. She asked, “How can this be, I am a virgin.” Surprising Event #3.
The angel told her that the conception would be totally of God. Her response? “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Later, Mary’s famous words show the level of her trust and peace: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.”
“Lord, we thank and praise You that Mary recognized Your presence and actions in her life. In this Advent season, as we remember Your birth, our Lord and Savior, may we, like Mary, give our anxiety over to the Lord by using the tools she demonstrated for us: Faith, Obedience and Thanksgiving. Thank You, In Jesus’ name. Amen”
Come back each day of Advent leading up to Christmas for a new devotional post. Want to view the whole devotional now? Digital downloads are available to purchase for $1.50: click here.