Every year in December, I find myself reflecting on the directions and wisdom that God is impressing on my heart. As we stand on the edge of a new year and look toward 2026, one phrase has been echoing in my heart again and again:
Do not be afraid.
It’s more than a comforting thought. It’s a command. And not just once.
The Bible contains the command “Do not be afraid” 365 times—one for every single day of the year. Whether that number is exact or symbolic, the message is clear: God knew we would need this reminder daily.
A Year Marked by Fear
Looking back on this past year, fear seems to be one of the dominant themes in our culture. In reality, it has been since the start of time, but it seems more pressing recently
People are afraid to try.
Afraid to fail.
Afraid to speak.
Afraid to commit.
Afraid to change.
Afraid to make decisions.
In my life, and many people surrounding me, the last few years seem like so many choices weren’t made based on faith, wisdom, or calling—but on fear.
Fear has quietly become a decision-maker.
And yet Scripture repeatedly tells us that fear was never meant to lead us.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
As believers, fear is something we feel—but it’s not something we’re called to follow.
“Do Not Be Afraid”
One of the most striking things about the Christmas story is this:
Almost every time an angel shows up, the first words out of their mouth are:
“Do not be afraid.”
- To Zechariah, terrified in the temple
- To Mary, confused and overwhelmed
- To Joseph, wrestling with doubt
- To the shepherds, shaken in the fields
Before explanation.
Before instruction.
Before assignment.
God addresses fear first.
Christmas songs reflect this truth beautifully.
As I am a sucker for good, rich Christmas songs, the lyrics about silent nights, holy peace, and fear trembling fleeing away aren’t just poetic—they’re deeply theological. Christmas reminds us that God stepped into a fearful world, not to shame us for being afraid, but to lead us beyond it.
Faith Is Often Just Courage in Motion
A song lyric that have beining popping into my head lately is “Superhero” by Family Force 5. Yes, it is not a well-known song or a new song on the radio, but its lyrics popped into my head when reflecting on this. But the song is cool, the lyrics are powerful and provoking.
“Fear has taken me
To a place I shouldn’t be.”
Full song video below for your enjoyment
Fear takes us places, but not good places. Sometimes it prevents us from moving on as well.
Faith isn’t the absence of fear.
Faith is choosing obedience in spite of it.
Sometimes courage doesn’t look like bold speeches or dramatic moments. Sometimes it looks like:
- Saying yes when it would be safer to say no
- Taking a step before you see the whole staircase
- Trusting God when clarity hasn’t arrived yet
A Call for 2026
So as I look toward 2026, this is the vision I feel God pressing on my heart:
Do not be afraid.
Not because the world is safe.
Not because outcomes are guaranteed.
Not because everything makes sense.
But because God is faithful.
Let 2026 be the year we:
- Stop delaying obedience because of “what if”
- Stop shrinking our calling to fit our comfort
- Stop letting fear masquerade as wisdom
Let it be the year we take God at His word—one day at a time, one “do not be afraid” at a time.
Because if God really did give us that reminder 365 times, maybe it’s not because fear is rare…
Maybe it’s because courage is something we practice daily.
And maybe 2026 is the year we take up our faith and put fear down at the foot of the cross.
Father God, help us through all of our days. Teach us not to worry. Remind us to not be anxious. As it says in Philippians, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.’ We are making our requests known to you right now. We need help.
We need you. We thank you. Amen
John Johnson Does Stuff 