Ever been gripped by fear one moment and overwhelmed by joy the next? It’s a jarring shift, but it’s where God often does His best work.

"And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" — Luke 2:8-11

It was just an ordinary night for a group of shepherds—likely quiet, maybe a little boring. Then, out of nowhere, the sky exploded with the brilliance of heaven, and an angel appeared, terrifying them. Can you imagine the shock?

Years ago, I bolted out of bed in the dead of night, convinced I’d heard something outside. Grabbing the handgun from my nightstand, I rushed outside into the darkness and cold, ready to defend my family. I made a heroic sweep of the house, only to later laugh about my bravery because I had swept the perimeter in nothing but my underwear and boots.

I bet the shepherds had the same protective instinct—but at least they were smart enough to put on pants.

But the angel’s words were clear: “Fear not.”

So why these words? Because this wasn’t a moment to protect but to praise. The message they heard would turn their alarm into celebration: a Savior had come—not just for the elite but for ordinary men like them.

And their response?

They didn’t hesitate. They ran, leaving their flocks and fears behind to see the Savior for themselves.

Human fear has a way of paralyzing us. But holy fear should not blind or bind us but loosen us toward celebrating what is right and righteous. The birth of Jesus proves that God will never abandon us to worldly fears. He steps into time with a message of hope, joy, and peace, turning our terror into triumph in a baby boy named Jesus.

Fear retreats when we run in faith to Jesus.

What fear do you need to leave behind today? Don’t just sit there—run to the Savior. Run from fear to the one who saves.

#FearNot, #RunToJesus, #FaithOverFear

1. What fears are holding you back from fully trusting God’s promises?
2. How can you respond with faith instead of fear today?

Run from fear to faith.

Lord, help me to release my fears and trust in Your good news of joy and salvation. Strengthen my faith to run toward You with confidence and peace. Amen.

Fear is a Liar.

Sometimes, there’s nothing like the feeling of comfort of coming home.

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.”— Matthew 2:19-20

There’s nothing like the comfort of home. I travel a lot, so I know that feeling well—the familiar bed, the space that’s mine, and the presence of family. Home offers belonging, a comfort that feels incomplete anywhere else.

I imagine Joseph and Mary longed for that, too. Egypt wasn’t home; Nazareth was. It was where they grew up, where their family and friends lived. For months, maybe even years, they lived as strangers in a foreign land, protecting the Savior of the world while navigating a season of discomfort and uncertainty.

Then, one day, another angel appeared to Joseph, bringing news that must have flooded them with relief: “It’s time to go home.” Herod was dead, and the season of displacement was over. I picture their gratitude as they packed up and began the journey back to a familiar place.

But here’s the truth: comfort and discomfort often coexist in God’s plans. For Joseph and Mary, the comfort of going home came after enduring an uncomfortable season that shaped them.

Life’s challenging seasons—those moments of uncertainty, stretching, and waiting—are no different for us. They feel foreign and unsettling, but they are also refining. And like Joseph and Mary, we’re never alone. Jesus is with us through every twist, every trial, and every unknown territory.

God uses seasonal discomfort to prepare us for his sovereign comfort.

Are you in an uncomfortable season right now? Maybe you are in a season today that feels like everything familiar has been stripped away. I cannot encourage you enough to listen closely and look around at what God is saying and doing. God speaks in our discomfort, just like he did to Joseph and Mary. You need to trust that he is present, working in your life, and leading you toward the comfort of home—at just the right time.

Comfort is coming, my friend.

Jesus, thank You for being my comfort in every season, even in the discomfort. Help me to trust You as You guide me through. Amen.

#GodsTiming, #ComfortInChrist, #SeasonsOfFaith

1. How has God used discomfort in your life to shape your faith and trust in Him?
2. What steps can you take to trust God’s timing in your current season of uncertainty?

Find comfort in Jesus.

Jesus, thank You for walking with me through every season, both comfortable and uncomfortable. Help me to trust Your timing and find peace in Your presence. Amen.

God of All Comfort.