Don’t Be Afraid

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7 (KJV)

When Antony came out of the fort, many people came to live near him and learn from him. Athanasius records a long talk Antony gave them, full of practical wisdom.

Antony started by encouraging them that goodness is not far away or impossible. People travel overseas to get an education, he said, but “we have no need to depart from home for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, nor to cross the sea for the sake of virtue.” Jesus said the kingdom of God is within you. Virtue, Antony said, needs only “willingness” from us, with God’s help.

Then Antony talked about the devil and evil spirits. He knew they were real. But his main message was that Christians should not be afraid of them. He said they try to frighten people with noise and terrifying shows, but they have very little real power over those who belong to Christ.

“For they are nothing and quickly disappear, especially if a man fortify himself beforehand with faith and the sign of the cross.”

He also gave a way to tell the difference between good and evil spiritual experiences. Evil brings confusion, fear and disturbance. But when God is near, Antony said, it comes “so quietly and gently that immediately joy, gladness and courage arise in the soul.”

This is good wisdom for us. Some people are fascinated by the dark side of the spiritual world, and some are terrified of it. Antony would say: don’t be either. Don’t play with it, and don’t live in fear of it. Stay close to Jesus, who has defeated every power of darkness on the cross.

And use Antony’s test for your own life. Does something bring confusion, fear and turmoil into your heart? Or quiet joy, gladness and courage? God’s presence brings peace.

If you ever feel frightened by spiritual things, talk to a trusted Christian adult about it. You don’t have to face fear alone.

One thing to do this week: when you feel afraid this week, about anything, say James 4:7 out loud and pray: “Jesus, you have won. I belong to you. I will not be afraid.” Notice whether peace comes.