3 Even though the people were afraid of the local residents, they rebuilt the altar at its old site. Ezra 3:3 NLT.
Some of the biggest moments of my life were in the midst of fear. Fear is my shame, and I try to hide it by smiles, but it seeps through my pores, and keeps me up at night with worry.
My daughter and I were en route to an event and she told me she was afraid, and I understood it too well. I don’t know if my advice was the best, but it was all I knew:
“Put a smile on your face, and do it anyway,” I said. Fear stops us from living, from moving on, from rebuilding. We looked at Christmas lights at dusk along the drive and I asked her, “What are you afraid will happen?”
I don’t think that half the time I can answer this question myself.
I suppose the enemies who opposed the rebuilding in Ezra had their own list of fears; their fear masked by anger and opposition. It put a halt on another’s rebuilding.
4 Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. 5 They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne. Ezra 4:5-5.
I think on whatever it is I’m afraid of, or the effects of another’s fear on me–the very limiting force of the enemy.
19 We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. 1 John 5:19.
I think of the walks I took to doors with gifts and goodbyes in hand, a smile on my face and fear seeping through pores and shaking my voice. Chapters closed with trembling fingers, and new ones were yet to be opened from the oppressive weight of what-if. Fear. Sometimes plans to rebuild are halted.
18 We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. 19 We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.
20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.
21 Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. 1 John 5:18-21
The verses above tell me not to be afraid, for the Son of God has come and holds me securely in his hands. And though evil comes so close, and I feel its haughty eyes upon me and hear its voice in my ears, God holds me closer. I can choose to live in fellowship with God, or listen to life-limiting lies from an evil one. Which will take up space in my heart?
Courtney (66books365)
Sixty-six books in a year 
What a beautiful post and perfect for Advent. How many times do we read “Fear not” in the Christmas story if not throughout the Bible? I can only imagine that it’s because God understands we are a fearful people
and we need to hear it over and over. I am glad that he understands this about me and doesn’t tire of reminding me that He is with me.
I thought of the commandment to put on the full armor of God – the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and feet shod with the gospel. When I’m dressed each day in His armor, I know I’m following the Victorious One, our Lord Jesus Christ. Whom should I fear? He is our light and our salvation. What an awesome picture of living without fear.