Countdown to Christmas – Day 10

Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

Proverbs 29:25

On any given day of the week, any given hour of the day, one can flick on the blue hum of a television screen and immerse themselves into the reality world of others. We can turn on a computer screen and troll the highlight reel of someone else’s life. Or, in 140 characters or less, we can put our random- or not so random- thoughts out for the world to see. We are a culture fascinated with the ongoings of other peoples lives. Where drama lacks, drama can be manufactured with good editing and the right soundtrack. There is always a villain, a hero, and a colourful cast of characters who all seem to be in either the right or wrong place at the appropriately staged moment.

Have we taken notice that nearly every situation of conflict or praise appears to be motivated by a need to fulfill something within? Perhaps this is because we are a people often driven by desire. We are a people often fed an opinion. And we are a people motivated by a fear of what others think of us for acceptance is of great value to our soul.

One can only imagine how a young woman like Mary must have felt knowing she was with child yet no man had touched her. What would others think? For Mary would not have had a television crew show up at her door with a contact for a show on teen mothers. Most likely she would be fearful of drawing back the curtain over the doorway of her home to face a mob of elders with stones in their hands.

Or Joseph. If others did not believe the miracle had indeed taken place, would the elders prevent him from ever having work again? Would he be able to provide food and even ramshackle shelter for the coming Messiah?

King Solomon penned the wisdom of Proverbs. He knew too well the pride of man and how easily our thinking can lead us into the traps and snares of this world. These words of his are ones we must choose to draw close to our heart for they will keep us safe in times of trouble. The thoughts, feelings, and opinions of man are not worthy of precious real estate in our soul. Only trusting in the Lord can provide us security and comfort.

Though the journey ahead for Mary and Joseph was fraught with uncertainty and discomfort, their trust and acceptance of the Lord’s plan, and heeding to His instruction, kept them free from any harm.

Father, when I desire to be accepted by my peers, feeling good about the choices in my life, may I be reminded of my foolishness for it is my acceptance of you and your will that keeps me from harm in this world. In Jesus name, amen.