Fear! Fear of the future. A new year is a few days away. So many things are happening in the world over which governments have no control. People are held hostage by their fears: the fear of world-wide economics crisis, fear of terrorists who strike wherever they so choose, fear of what is politically correct and what others will think. Fear rules in many hearts and minds. Fear that is real, not imagined.

People have not changed over the centuries. A baby, John, was born to an old couple in Israel and fear was the watchword of the day. Events were happening that could not be understood. Just as events are happening which we do not understand or over which we have no control.

(NASB) Luke 1:65 “Fear came on all those living around them; and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea.”

Zacharias had been unable to talk for almost a year ““ this did not create fear. The miracle of baby John”™s conception did not cause fear. The miracle of birth did not cause fear. However, Zacharias suddenly started talking by praising God and THIS caused people to fear!

What creates fear in you? Only you can answer that. What robs you of joy and causes you to fear? The comfort for the Christian who lives in obedience to God”™s words is running to God Who is our Refuge in times of troubles and fears.

Zacharias”™ ability to talk got the people”™s attention. The grape-vine was buzzing with the news of this baby”™s birth and circumstances surrounding his birth. (They hadn”™t seen anything yet! Jesus was yet to be born!)

What gets your attention onto God? Is it when life is “˜good”™ and problems seem to be far away? Perhaps an emotional crisis occurs and your attention is focused on God. Perhaps money problems cause you to cry out to God. God is unlimited in His creative ways. He can use your circumstances for you to turn to Him.

Don”™t delay, He is reaching out to you with His mercy, His grace, His love for you. As the New Year approaches”¦seek Him by reading His word and talking with Him each day. A New Year”™s resolution won”™t last, but a conscious choice of choosing God each day will last. One day at a time.

(NASB) Luke 1:66 “All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, “˜What then will this child turn out to be?”™ For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him.”

John was a miracle baby ““ his parents had been too old to have a child; he was foretold by the angel Gabriel ““ the angel who stands in the very presence of God; and John”™s ministry had been foretold by Isaiah in chapter 40 verses 3-5 (NASB) Isaiah 40:3 “A voice of one calling, “˜Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.”

What will get your attention turned toward the living God Who extends life to you? Whether you have yet to receive Jesus as your Savior or if you have walked with God fifty years, what will it take?

How shall you now pray?