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Do you need a little peace in your life? The apostle Paul wrote some practical help for you in Philippians 4:4-9. Now keep in mind, he was in prison when he wrote it. So, Paul knew what he was talking about! First, rejoice in all things. Paul knew how to keep from becoming calloused by life’s troubles. His life was full of God’s joy. Paul knew the importance of rejoicing and laughter. Don’t worry. Trust God. Worry wastes your time and accomplishes nothing. Instead of being gripped by fear, worry, and stress, be gripped by the grace of God. Rest and relax in Him. He has promised to deliver you from all your fears. Pray about everything. Really converse with God on a daily basis. Pray with an attitude of devotion and trust. That’s when prayer accomplishes something. When you pray, you won’t be immune from the problems of life, but you will be in touch with the Redeemer. Talk to God about your worries today.

Christmas without Fear

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”
Matthew 1:18–20
For most people in our day Christmas is a celebration—family, food, presents, decorations, songs, church services, and more fill the holiday season and give us many reasons to be happy. The first Christmas, however, was different. It was filled with uncertainty, trouble, hardship, and danger. Yet even with all the turmoil, God was still in control.
There are four angelic appearances in the Christmas story. An angel appeared to Zacharias and told him about the birth of John the Baptist. An angel appeared to Mary and told her she would be the mother of the Messiah. An angel appeared to Joseph and told him that Mary had not been unfaithful to him. And an angel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus. All four of these angels accompanied their good news with this instruction: “Fear not.”
The human tendency is to be afraid when we feel that things are out of our control. But God’s plan has never been for us to be in charge. When we are trusting God and loving Him as we should, we will not be afraid. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).

Today’s Growth Principle: 

We can safely trust the God who arranged the birth of Jesus with all of the details and problems of our lives.