In Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, the actual guide has in bold letters words on the cover saying, "DON'T PANIC!" In the Bible, the actual guide for Life, the Universe, and Everything, it says "Fear not!"

The Bible is full of stories of men panicking. Gideon surrounds the enemy camp, sounds the horns, and the enemy is filled with a panic and one man turns on another, doing Gideon's work for him. Men on a boat are riding out a storm with white knuckles and drawn faces, and a short Jew tells them that the voyage will not end in death. In the end, he's proved right. Shepherds are in the middle of a dark field and the night is split with a holy terror. Ironically, he announces, "Fear not!"

We have every reason to be afraid when we look at our circumstances. We can struggle through our darkest fears alone. We can make rushed decisions and end up regretting our mistake. Yet none of that has to happen. In each situation, God shows up in one way or another and changes men's lives. "Fear not...for I am with you."

Are you anxious? Do you struggle with fear or frustration? Is there doubt in your life that God will come through for you? Congratulations...you're human, just like me. Trusting in the unseen but very real God takes risk and courage, but we can take comfort in the words from God, "Fear not!"

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