Fear

Is there something or someone you are afraid of?  What is it? Does it come to mind easily?  If you can’t think of something quickly, sit with the question for a while.  If nothing comes to mind, you are a unicorn!  We all have something that we can bring to our imaginations or memories that we would recognize as “fear.”  Fear of losing a loved one, fear of disgrace or failure, fear of not being enough.

Definition of fear:

An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

While I am afraid of something terrible happening to me or someone I love, I am more likely experiencing fear as criticism, judgement or feeling less than someone else.  As I look at my inner thoughts and try to be honest with myself, I am open to the criticism of others and often fear rejection. What will others think if they knew_______.  Or I use fear as a comparison.  Beth has it all together, what am I missing in my life that I don’t have it all together like Beth?  What does Beth know that I wish I knew?  Beth must be __________ (smarter, prettier, thinner, wealthier, or blessed.)  The truth is that you never know what someone else is carrying.  The grass always looks greener on the other side of the street because you don’t know the road that was traveled to get there.  I think we “assume” that everyone has it easier or better and that we just didn’t get all the benefits that others got to live on the greener side of the street.

The truth is nobody has the easy road all of the time.  There are times in my life when things just seem so heavy that I can’t move.  Thereare also times in my life where I feel like I am living on top of the world and all the stars align and it’s a really good day! Both feelings are fleeting and depend on circumstances and emotion.  I also happen to KNOW that fear is bigger in the dark or in the wee hours of the night when our problems seem bigger and more consequential that in the daytime. Why is that?

I can tell you that the time I am most afraid is after a circumstance happens and the results are out of my control.  My mind gets quiet at night and my thoughts race through the day on instant replay. All victories during the day get minimalized and my failures or struggles get blown out of proportion. That is when the regret begins, and the worry and fret grow in strength.  I try to do something to get control of my mind and heart.  Nothing seems to work except prayer.  I think it is also very important that I recognize that my faith is not something I carry around with me and only pull it out when I need it. Fear and faith have to do more with character than circumstances.  It is also important to know who the real enemy is.

Romans 8:38-39 For Iam convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, thank you for holding me together.  Thank you, Lord, that there is nothing in this world that can separate me from you. Thank you for loving me and claiming me as your own.  I ask that you help me to see the power of your love and commitment to me as a child of God.  Father, please comfort me inside my heart and mind as only you can do.  Please give me clarity of thought.  Father, please take all my anxiety so that I don’t have to carry it.  In you there is freedom and grace.  In you there is love that squelches fear.  In your power I ask that you carry my burden, so I don’t have to.

Psalms 56:3-4 When Iam afraid, I put my trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?

God is in control.  If we have surrendered our hearts to God, then he calls us his children.  What wouldn’t a parent do to protect their child?

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

You are not alone. God will never turn a deaf ear to you.

1 Corinthians 16:13Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

Hebrews 13:5-6 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you or forsake you: So, we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?

Father, I pray that my life is pleasing to you.  I ask you Father to hold me close and show me what you have in store for me.  Protect me as you would protect your child, father, wanting what is best for me.  Please give me courage and strength to stay the course.  Please calm my heart and fear.

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Father, I know that Jesus died on the cross for me, so I do not have to pay the ultimate price for my sins or failures.  Thank you for loving me enough to give your only son up for me.  I pray Lord, that you would give me the desire to know you more intimately so that the truth of your word gives my heart peace and reassurance. I pray that I my heart is transformed by your word, that my life and behavior will be transformed as well. Please help me to grow to be more like your son, Jesus Christ.

I am not going to tell you that things will never be hard again.  I am going to tell you that Jesus is with you will help you through anything that comes your way.  Spending time in the bible, understanding that the bible is God’s word to his children, will help you get to know the character of God.

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