Think about when you have been going about your own business, doing your duties and responsibilities in life – and suddenly you are brought up short!  You have done nothing, but you are troubled by what you have seen, heard or read.  You are troubled to the point of real fear.  And many times with fear, panic and the ‘flight or fight’ reflex kicks in.  Fear can throw people into depression, and/or a defensive position.

What causes you to fear?  Is it a physical condition, knowing you have no control in your circumstances or a lack of trust in the living God?  How do you react in times of fear, when you are gripped by real fear?

Zacharias was doing his duties as a priest in the temple in Jerusalem.  People were outside in the courtyards praying as he was offering incense at that altar.  Suddenly an angel of the Lord was standing at the right side of that altar where Zacharias was ministering.  (See Luke 1:8-11)

(NASB) Luke 1:12 “Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him.”

We know Zacharias was a devoutly religious believer in the Lord God of Israel, he and his wife Elizabeth were godly examples of righteous living.  (See Luke 1:5-6)
Yet, when the angel appeared the first, the very first, reaction was fear…Real, Gut-Wrenching Fear.
However, Zacharias’ fear did not stop God from using him and fulfilling His purpose through Zacharias and Elizabeth.

Your fears will not stop God from loving you and

being available to you.

  Zacharias’ belief in God did not waver; his being in the physical presence of angels caused his fear.  Doubt caused his fear; doubt in what the angel told him about the child who would be born to him and Elizabeth.  (See Luke 1:20)

What do you doubt about God’s true words to you?  Honest questions are good; they help you and me to grow in our faith in God…doubt that God doesn’t know what He is talking about…well; you will need to talk with God about that.

What has you “Gripped by Fear”?

(NASB) Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;”

(NASB) Psalm 27:1 “THE LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the defense of my life;
Whom shall I dread?”