Luke 1:46-55 - Do Not Be Afraid

Intro:

If I was to ask you what do you think is the #1 repeated “do” or “don’t” in the Bible, what would you say? I’m guessing one or more of the following come to mind:

f you were to open

Though I have improved considerably over the years, I have never been a strong reader.

When you think through the “do’s and don’ts” of the Bible, I’m guessing one or more of the following come to mind:

When you think through the “do’s and don’ts” of the Bible, I’m guessing one or more of the following come to mind:

When you think through the “do’s and don’ts” of the Bible, I’m guessing one or more of the following come to mind:

and as a Freshman in High School

Fear is one of those emotions that we might write down in our diary. It can be crippling. Left unchecked, it can trigger extreme and often unnecessary responses. It may lead us to fight against or run from that which we fear. As a result, we may find ourselves avoiding challenges that could benefit us in the long run or hanging back during certain social interactions for no good reason.

Do not lie.

Do not steal.

Love your enemies.

Do not murder.

Do unto others as you’d have them do to you.

Love your neighbor as yourself.

All these are certainly Biblical and applicable today. But surprisingly, none of them are repeated with all that much frequency. And certainly none of them come close to the repetition of the most popular command in the Bible. You ready? Drumroll…

“Do not be afraid.”

That’s right, “do not be afraid” appears in the NIV 70 times. This doesn’t include variants such as “fear not,” “do not fear,” and the like.

This doesn’t include variants such as “fear not,” “do not fear,” and the like.

Fear…it can be crippling. Left unchecked, it can trigger extreme and often unnecessary responses. It may lead us to fight against that which we fear. Or it can lead us to - fight or flight.

There are several interesting things about this. First of all, the Bible isn’t saying, “There is nothing scary so you don’t need to be scared.” Let’s be real… life is scary. That, however, does NOT mean we need to be scared of it.

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.” ()

“Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” ()

Fear is a vital response to physical and emotional danger with strong roots in human evolution. If we didn’t feel fear, we couldn’t protect ourselves from legitimate threats, which in our ancestral world frequently resulted in life-or-death consequences. In the modern world, we often fear situations where the stakes are much lower, but our body and brain are still treating the threat as lethal. This can trigger an extreme, and oftentimes unnecessary, fight-flight-or-freeze response. As a result, we may find ourselves avoiding challenges that could benefit us in the long run or hanging back during social interactions for no good reason. When people today face deadly or extreme danger, it can sometimes result in lingering trauma. These traumas can trigger a fear response within us that is hard to quell, even when we are no longer at risk.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” ()

Another interesting thing is that 10 times “do not be afraid” is followed by “do not be discouraged.”

Have you stopped to consider that being afraid and being discouraged are related? After all, the opposite of “discouraged” is “encouraged.” And encouraged means to be filled with courage!

But secondly, we all know the powerful affect fear can have on us. Fear can be crippling. Left unchecked, it can trigger extreme and often unnecessary responses. It may lead us to fight against that which we fear or run from it in terror. As a result, we may find ourselves avoiding challenges that could benefit us in the long run or hanging back during certain social interactions for no good reason.

So, the reason for why we should not is b/c of God’s presence for His people.

But we all know that fear can be crippling. Left unchecked, it can trigger extreme and often unnecessary responses. It may lead us to fight against that which we fear or run from it in terror. As a result, we may find ourselves avoiding challenges that could benefit us in the long run or hanging back during certain social interactions for no good reason.

A diary contains our most private thoughts and experiences. Fear is one of those emotions that we write down in our diary. Fear can be crippling. Left unchecked, it can trigger extreme and often unnecessary responses. It may lead us to fight against that which we fear or run from it in terror. As a result, we may find ourselves avoiding challenges that could benefit us in the long run or hanging back during certain social interactions for no good reason.

These traumas can trigger a fear response within us that is hard to quell, even when we are no longer at risk. Our fear response can motivate us to good or to evil later on.

Fear can be a powerful motivator. It can motivate us to good or to evil.

[Slide - 2] That’s why, I wonder:

Question: What do you fear in life? [KEEP UP TILL SLIDE 3]

Transition: Most likely, that which you fear is private, known by only a few, if anyone else. Those fears are not allowed to soar in words for others to hear. No, no, your fears are a part of your story that you want to keep just to yourself. They are sentenced to live out their existence on a page that’s held under lock and key.

Our fears are sentenced to live out on a page that’s held under lock and key.

For that reason, as we continue our series entitled Manger Diaries, a study on the main characters of the birth of Jesus, I would like us to take some time and think about the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary is one of those characters within the nativity that I believe people have the hardest time relating to. For, no matter how gifted our children may be, they will never be the Messiah, the Savior of the world. As we study her story, I believe if you look close enough, from her story you might just find a bit of your own.

et, as we take some time to The story behind the face will be revealed.

For that reason, I would like us to take some time and think about the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

I believe, if we look close enough, from her story you might just find a bit of your own story.

[Slide - 3] Her story begins with the great truth that...

Have you ever thought about fear playing a role in the birth of Jesus?

Sometimes our thoughts that were intended to be private become public. What would happen if

I would like to intr

ear was also one emotion

even against our better judgement.

Fear can be a powerful motivator, motivating us to good or to evil.

What keeps you up at night?

It brings great comfort to us to remember that...

Fear can be a powerful motivator, motivating us to good or to evil.

We are first introduced to Mary, the mother of Jesus, in Luke 1:26

We are first introduced to Mary, the mother of Jesus,

I. God Knows His People

Turn in your Bibles to (listen as I read) where we are first...

A. Introduced To Mary

We are

Luke 1:26–38 TNIV

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.

(vs. 26 - 38)

Fear can be a powerful motivator, motivating us to good or to evil. Movement(s): God Knows His People Gabriel's announcement to Mary (vs. 26 - 38)Mary visits Elizabeth (v. 39 - 45)Mary's song of praise (v. 46-49)God was "mindful" of her..."done great things" for her God has been merciful to her -

What an exciting and humbling message for Mary to hear from the angel Gabriel.

Mary, a young soon-to-be bride, from a small village in Bethlehem, was to be the Mother of the Messiah (Anointed One).

Mary had reason to fear Joseph leaving her, social outcast, poor

What a terrifying message for Mary to hear about from the angel Gabriel

Mary, a young virgin soon-to-be bride, was to be the mother of the Messiah (Anointed One).

What would Joseph her fiancee think? Would he go through with the marriage or not?

That’s exactly what tells us that Joseph, her fiancee, was going to do. After hearing that Mary was pregnant, he was planning on leaving her quietly, not to make a scene.

It took God sending an angel of God to come to Joseph in a dream to and tell him to go through with the wedding.

No doubt Mary was terrified of Joseph’s reactions.

If Joseph didn’t marry her, she would be pregnant outside of marriage, something that was socially unacceptable in their day.

It was a formula for a life of struggle and difficulty.

That’s exactly what tells us that Joseph, her fiancee, was going to do. After hearing that Mary was pregnant, he was planning on leaving her quietly, not to make a scene.

It took God sending an angel of God to come to Joseph in a dream to and tell him to go through with the wedding.

Transition: That is how we are intruced to Mary. After this...

B. Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth

You rememeber that Elizabeth, despite her old age, was also pregnant.

She was to give birth to John the Baptist, the one who was to prepare Israel for Jesus’ arrival.

Let’s read this interaction...

Luke 1:39–45 TNIV

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises” - Take note of that as we continue.

Transition: Following this song of praise by Elizabeth, Mary herself is going to send praises to God. It is from this passage that we are going to get a glimpse into the heart of Mary as it flows from her mouth. Let’s turn to vs. 46, a text that you can find in your Sermon Notes.

C. Mary’s Magnifies The Lord (The Magnificat)

luke 1.46-49)

Luke 1:46–49 TNIV

And Mary said: “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.

Mary rejoices in the fact that the Almighty God was "mindful" of her, He had taken notice of her of all people

[Slide - 4] Thanksgiving and praise overflow from the deepest part of her soul as she knows that for generations people will “call her blessed”

Psalm 34:1–3 TNIV

I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.

“My soul doth magnify the Lord” = Latin for “magnify” is Magnificant

Mary wasn’t excited or filled with the Holy Ghost like Elizabeth, this was of her own heart (vs. 40-41) Elizabeth’s praise was momentary but Mary had dwelt on this topic for days “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” –

Transition: [Slide - 5] To God had been good to her, God had been merciful to her b/c not only does God Know His People...

II. God Helps His People

Luke 1:50–55 TNIV

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

Luke 1:50 TNIV

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

A. Mercy Defined

A. Mercy Defined

Mercy is one of the most essential qualities of God

Mercy is one of the most essential qualities of God

Mercy is one of the most essential qualities of God

It is that quality by which God keeps His promises with mankind despite our sin and unwillingness to be faithful to Him at times. [Slide - 6]

Exodus 34:6 NKJV

And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,

Exodus 34:6–7 TNIV

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

Deuteronomy 4:31 TNIV

For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.

It designates that quality in God by which He keeps His promises with mankind despite our unworthiness and unfaithfulness.

God’s mercy designates that quality in God by which He keeps His promises with mankind despite our unworthiness and unfaithfulness.

[Slide - 7-8] At the heart of the concept of mercy is the love of God, which God shows us in the Gospel

Ephesians 2:4–6 TNIV

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

a. Our salvation occurred b/c He is “rich in mercy” (; )

The Biblical definition of mercy is exceedingly rich and detailed - dimensions(# of Greek and Hebrew words)

Synonyms range from “kindness, goodness” to “favor, pity, compass”

It emphasizes the misery with which grace deals; “Grace takes away the fault, mercy the misery”

eleos = “Kindness,” “concern,” “pity,” and “compassion,” [READ w/different definitions]

Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “Mercy,” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 1440.“Pity, compassion,

Prominent in the concept of mercy is a compassionate temperament to forgive an offender or adversary and to help him in his sorry situation

Mercy is all about forgiving and helping

Grace - Giving what we don’t deserve; Mercy - Is not giving us what we do deserve

[Slide - 9] Mercy is a virtue that distinguishes God’s people from others ()

Matthew 5:7 TNIV

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Theological Significance

At the heart of the concept of mercy is the love of God, which is freely manifested in his gracious saving acts on behalf of those to whom he has pledged himself in covenant relationship.

Notice to whom this mercy is given “ those who fear him”

Notice to whom this mercy is given - “Those who fear him”

Blanket statement is true but Mary is making a distinction

a. Many synonyms such as “kindness, goodness, grace, favor, pity”, compassionate

Psalm 136 TNIV

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. who made the great lights— His love endures forever. the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever. to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever. and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever. with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever. to him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever. and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever. but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever. to him who led his people through the wilderness; His love endures forever. to him who struck down great kings, His love endures forever. and killed mighty kings— His love endures forever. Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever. and Og king of Bashan— His love endures forever. and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever. an inheritance to his servant Israel. His love endures forever. He remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever. and freed us from our enemies. His love endures forever. He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

“Fear” =

NOT: Began by talking about “fear” as terror

IS: Reverential Awe

Genuine faith in Christ is expressed in, and animated by, a reverential awe of God

2. Definition:

A personal awareness of the awesome and majestic sovereignty of God that results in total allegiance to God Himself

a. Many synonyms such as “kindness, goodness, grace, favor, pity”, compassionate

b. Word emphasizes the misery with which grace deals; “Grace takes away the fault, mercy the misery”

Godly fear is characterized by total allegiance to God himself

a. “Fear” = Reverential awe, reverentially obey Him

Psalm 2:11 TNIV

Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.

b. A personal awareness of the awesome and majestic sovereignty of God, an expression of genuine faith

It is to these individuals that God is quick to display His mercy.

The parable begins by a man asking Jesus what he must to inherit eternal life.

as believers must be careful to not focus on one without the other. For if you remember with the parable of the Good Samaritan, God characterized the Pharisees as being men of great holiness but yet void of mercy. We whom God has freely bestowed his mercy upon you, we who are unworthy and unfaithful to Him, must show mercy to others. As we saw God desires mercy more than sacrifice and b/c of Christ’s act our obligation to show mercy is clear and obvious. We are then to show compassion and concern for each other as we help each other in this life, as we love and comfort one another as Christ has loved and comforted us. And when we humbly fear God, this act of showing love and comfort will be in natural obedience to Him.

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked,

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”

Application: It is interesting that Mary speaks of God’s mercy directly after His holiness b/c we, as believers must be careful to not focus on one without the other. For if you remember with the parable of the Good Samaritan, God characterized the Pharisees as being men of great holiness but yet void of mercy. We whom God has freely bestowed his mercy upon you, we who are unworthy and unfaithful to Him, must show mercy to others. As we saw God desires mercy more than sacrifice and b/c of Christ’s act our obligation to show mercy is clear and obvious. We are then to show compassion and concern for each other as we help each other in this life, as we love and comfort one another as Christ has loved and comforted us. And when we humbly fear God, this act of showing love and comfort will be in natural obedience to Him.

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

that Mary speaks of God’s mercy directly after His holiness b/c we, as believers must be careful to not focus on one without the other. For if you remember with the parable of the Good Samaritan, God characterized the Pharisees as being men of great holiness but yet void of mercy. We whom God has freely bestowed his mercy upon you, we who are unworthy and unfaithful to Him, must show mercy to others. As we saw God desires mercy more than sacrifice and b/c of Christ’s act our obligation to show mercy is clear and obvious. We are then to show compassion and concern for each other as we help each other in this life, as we love and comfort one another as Christ has loved and comforted us. And when we humbly fear God, this act of showing love and comfort will be in natural obedience to Him.

God characterized the Pharisees as being men of great holiness but yet void of mercy. We whom God has freely bestowed his mercy upon you, we who are unworthy and unfaithful to Him, must show mercy to others. As we saw God desires mercy more than sacrifice and b/c of Christ’s act our obligation to show mercy is clear and obvious. We are then to show compassion and concern for each other as we help each other in this life, as we love and comfort one another as Christ has loved and comforted us. And when we humbly fear God, this act of showing love and comfort will be in natural obedience to Him.

holiness b/c we, as believers must be careful to not focus on one without the other. For if you remember with the parable of the Good Samaritan, God characterized the Pharisees as being men of great holiness but yet void of mercy. We whom God has freely bestowed his mercy upon you, we who are unworthy and unfaithful to Him, must show mercy to others. As we saw God desires mercy more than sacrifice and b/c of Christ’s act our obligation to show mercy is clear and obvious. We are then to show compassion and concern for each other as we help each other in this life, as we love and comfort one another as Christ has loved and comforted us. And when we humbly fear God, this act of showing love and comfort will be in natural obedience to Him.

Transition: [Slide - 10-12]

B. Mercy Displayed

Luke 1:51–55 TNIV

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

Transition: That knowledge leads to action...God Helps His People (vs. 50 - 55) "Mercy" = Definition - to those who "fear him" He helps His People (cf. v. 55) He has shown the strength of his "arm" - Here's HOW: He honors humility He meets the needs of His people Jehovah Jireh = The Lord Will Provide He keeps His Word to His people (v. 54)Jehovah = Covenant Keeping God Conclusion:God is bigger than our circumstances and situations. It is this truth that leads us to praise Him. He knows our needs.We praise Him when things are going well and we praise Him when things are dicey (Mary, a virgin engaged to someone becomes pregnant, how about them apples). Do unto others as you would have them do unto you - show mercy!

In these verses Mary mentions many ways God has helped His people - “mighty deeds”

If you are not careful, focus can be placed on the deeds God does to the proud, those that live contrary to His ways

Reason - They are up front in the text

emphasizing not God is against but what God is for

[Slide - 13] However, Mary’s emphasis is not on what God does to those who are “against” Him but on how God displays mercy towards His people [REPEAT SLOWLY].

Mary does mention what He does against people

He has shown the strength of his "arm" - Here's HOW:

He has shown the strength of his "arm" - Here's HOW:

Mary does mention what He does against people

His God is for - specifically His people

Emphasis, however, is on what He does for His people (

Xiastic Structure - Important stuff goes in the middle of a sentence/paragraph [Slide - w/bold on text]

He helps His People (cf. v. 55) - Described with the phrase, “He has shown the strength of his "arm" - Here's HOW:

Xiastic Structure

[Slide - w/bold on text]

He “lift[s] up the humble”

James 4:10 TNIV

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

“Fill[s] the hungry with good things” - He meets His people’s needs

Jehovah Jireh = The Lord Will Provide

Matthew 5:6 TNIV

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Jehovah Jireh = The Lord Will Provide

God displays His mercy from “generation to generation” + “remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever”

Luke 1:50–55 TNIV

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

He keeps His Word to His people (v. 54)Jehovah =

Jehovah Jireh = The Lord Will Provide

He does this from “generation to generation” (v. 50, 55)

He does this from “generation to generation” (v. 50, 55)

God has made countless promises to His people and He has always kept His word

Promise of His abiding presence in our lives

Obedience often requires faith and risk, but God will delight in your dependence on Him and always be there to support you.

Promise of His daily provision of our needs

Promise of that He has big plans for us

Promise of His being invested in our well-being and working toward our renewal, wholeness and healing.

Look down the pages of history and you will find the recurring theme of God’s faithfulness to His people.

This makes complete sense b/c remember how I started out by saying that the most popular command in the Bible is “do not be afraid” … “do not fear,” appearing some 70x’s.

I neglected to mention that, the command “do not be afraid” more often than not, is followed by something. It is followed by an action that God is or will take:

Moses to Israelites - “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.” ()

Jesus to Church - “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” ()

So, the reason for why we should not fear is b/c God is Faithful To His People [REPEAT SLOWLY]

Application

Work…God is faithful

Home…God is faithful

Community Relationships…God is faithful

Conclusion:

I started out by saying that the most popular command in the Bible is “do not be afraid” … “do not fear,” appearing some 70x’s.

the command “do not be afraid” more often than not, is followed by an action that God is or will be taking. Here are a few such examples:

I neglected to mention that, the command “do not be afraid” more often than not, is followed by something. It is followed by an action that God is or will take:

Moses to Israelites - “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.” ()

“Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” ()

Jesus to Church - “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” ()

So, the reason for why we should not fear is b/c God is Faithful To His People.

[READ SLOW] God is faithful to His people.

[READ SLOW] God is faithful to His people.

Mary saw the reality of God’s faithfulness to her first hand and it brought fourth fountains of praise from her mouth. It emboldened her faith and gave her the confidence to trust God’s plan for her.

Mary is really not that different from you and from me. The same God that was faithful to her is faithful to you. Remember the ways God has been faithful to you. Allow those tangible demonstrations of God’s faithfulness to embolden your faith and give you the same confidence to trust His plans for you. Allow this promise of God’s faithfulness to transform your fear into faith and your faith into praise.

Secondly, the command “do not be afraid” more often than not, is followed by an action that God is or will be taking. Here are a few such examples:

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.” ()

“Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” ()

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” ()

So, the reason for why we should not is b/c of God’s presence for His people.

Psalm 100:4–5 TNIV

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Pray

Mary’s fear turned into faith

It’s a continuing reminder to us that God is bigger than our circumstances and situations.

It is this truth that leads us to praise Him. He knows our needs. We praise Him when things are going well and we praise Him when things are dicey (Mary, a virgin engaged to someone becomes pregnant, how about them apples).