Week
3 Obey and Partake
Day 20
Fear
Not
Wisdom shall keep them from being afraid
without cause, and faith shall keep them from being unduly afraid. Whatever is
done, our heavenly Father's will is done; and we have no reason to fear.
Matthew Henry[i]
~~~
W
|
e do not consciously choose fear, but it often grips our
hearts and seems to threaten all we love. If our circumstances are happy, fear
brings a reluctance to embrace joy because it is possible we might lose the
people and things that gladden our hearts. And when our paths are difficult,
the cynicism of fear seems more logical than faith.
We don’t want to face our
anxieties; it is instinctive to run away from things that frighten us. Thus
fear forms a pathway to disobedience as we seek the numbing effects of escapism
rather than the cleansing of the Lord’s presence. Worry about tomorrow robs joy
from today.
In my own Christian walk, I’ve
often struggled with fear of the future. I have been with the Lord long enough
to know He controls what we call “happenstance,” but I’ve continued to fret
when my future has seemed to rest in the hands of other people. It’s as though
I think the Lord can control my tomorrows as long as no human beings interfere.
Early one morning I poured my heart
out to God, bringing Him the great anxiety I felt over a situation that had
long caused me fear for the future. As I lifted those people who were in charge
of the situation to the Lord in prayer, this thought came as from the Lord to
me:
Child,
you are not waiting to see what they will
do, you are waiting to see what I will
do!
Each day we can choose whether to
go forth with fear and trembling, shaking with anxiety at each new prospect of
joy, or we can embrace the future with open arms and a heart prepared to
receive the full measure of God’s blessing. The God who controls the wind and waves is able to keep us safe in the
palm of His hand. Though difficulties may swirl about us, He is able to rescue
and deliver, even when other human beings are involved.
Pray: Dear Lord, forgive me
for harboring fear, and help me to embrace the future with open arms. Please
prepare my heart to receive the full measure of Your blessing. Grant me wisdom
that keeps me from being afraid without cause, and faith that keeps me from
being unduly afraid[ii],
in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
~~~
He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and
protection.
Psalm 91:4 NLT
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