Thursday, August 5, 2010

fear. panic. terror. fright. dread. alarm. dismay. apprehension. concern.

I have struggled with these things my whole life.
They are part of my daily routine.
I wake up, I brush my teeth, I make my bed, I put on my fears.
Rational fears. Irrational fears. Doesn't really matter, they all go in my mind and start dictating my words, thoughts, and actions.
And the longer I live the more things I find to be afraid of......

breaking a bone.
having a wreck.
losing something important.
disappointing the people around me.
being late.
spiders in my bed.
damaging a relationship.
someone I love dying.
not having the right answer.
hurting my family.
losing a friend.
making the wrong decision and ruining my life.
regrets.
not following the Spirit and losing the opportunity to be a light.
damaging my witness.
being alone. forever.
missing the chance to be who God wants me to be.
cracking an egg and cutting my thumb off.
public speaking.
having a broken heart.
losing hope.
living my life without peace.
never knowing the full extent of what God has for me.

Isn't that ridiculous????
In less then ten minutes I came up with a HUGE list of things I am afraid of, and I know better.
I believe, with all my heart, that God's word is true, and He has something to say about fear;

'Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear, though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER. All the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord, and to seek Him in His temple.' Psalms 27:2-4

'God is refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we WILL NOT FEAR, though the earth give way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.' Ps. 46:1-2

'So do not fear, for I am with you,; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' Isaiah 41:10

'For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' Romans 8:15

'There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out fear.' 1 John 4:18

By the mercy and grace of my Abba I will find peace, His love will cast out my fear, and will have courage and boldness to do the right thing.
Until then, because I know this is a constant struggle, a battle with my flesh, I will be secure in the fact that He loves me. Treasures me. Holds me. And catches each tear that falls.

~noel

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