Thursday, November 11, 2010

Not To Fear

I've been struggling with fear.  How long? Well, most of my life. 

I think it has a lot to do with having a desire to understand and control the things that interface with my decisions and their consequences.  And though I think God has given me an ability to analyze and think well, I have a tough time making decisions when they will affect me in some way.  In other words: I am afraid of making mistakes that will cause me pain. "Buyer's Remorse"

My mother tells me that I was fearful as a child. (  But I only remember being afraid at night when I was alone upstairs and the rest of the family was together downstairs.) I recall one night when my brother, John, showed me each and every nook and cranny of my room so I was sure I was safe!  I think what made me feel safe that night was knowing my brother understood that I was afraid, but he wasn't.  His courage gave me courage.

 As a child of God I am instructed NOT to fear, but instead to trust.  God wants me to know that every nook and cranny of my life is within his sight, reach, and control ; that anything that happens will be utilized for my ultimate good.  This is comforting.  So keeping this truth in the forefront of my thoughts and behavior is essential in order to obey his command to trust.  The piece I might be missing (since I am unable to maintain trust) is a clear grasp of God's understanding of my fear and an unshakable trust in his strength.


If that is true, how would he have to teach me not to fear?  I suppose I would need to continually experience His strength to handle things.  This is where faith comes in.  God has given me faith in his strength, but in order to experience that strength, I need to see and acknowledge my weakness, see myself fail, and find Him as my rescuer.  IE: step into the rushing waters.

So I will place myself continually at the feet of His throne and trust in his incomparable strength and mercy.


"God, I know you are able when I am not able.  Thank you for revealing where I am weak, so that I may see your strength.  " Amen
 



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2 comments:

  1. Noelle Johnson November 12, 2010 at 9:28 AM

    Hello,

    What a wonderful inspiration your words are. Thank you for the kind comment you left on my blog.

    God Bless!
    Noelle / azplantlady

    ReplyDelete
  2. LindaNovember 23, 2010 at 12:08 AM

    Been thinking alot about II Pet 1 where it says we have 'everything we need for life and godliness' THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM who called us to HIs own glory and excellence. Somehow, this addresses our fears and everything else in which we are found wanting. I ask myself (and God), what aspect of God do I need to understand more completely in order to be sufficient with everything I need for life and godliness.... What a great promise! Thank you for this excellent bit of sharing and encouragement.

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