Living in Fear

 

“God is our 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.”

Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV)

 

An unwelcome guest moved into my home immediately after my husband passed away. No matter where I turned, he was there. And he never slept. I would wake up and he would begin to whisper and taunt me repeatedly. With every attack my heart would race in my chest as if I had just run a marathon.

           

“Who’s going to be next?” he would taunt. “Someone else is going to die; who do you think it is?” he would challenge and then fade into the background, leaving me with a choking panic in my throat. One morning my daily phone call to a close friend was not answered. From out of nowhere a voice spoke a thought to my heart. “She’s dead. She was the next one,” he lied. And for an instant, I almost believed him.

 

In my defense, within about a 5 month time period, I had lost my brother-in-law, who was more like a brother; my sister who was my best friend and two weeks after that, my husband. I cannot begin to describe the deep heartache and grief that surrounded me.

I held on to the Lord with every ounce of strength I had but there were many days when simply breathing became an accomplishment.

 

Satan, my unwelcome guest, did every thing he could to move into my home – and my heart – with his baggage of lies and deceit. His purpose was to drain my joy and my hope and to shake my very foundation and belief in Jesus.

 

The entire book of Psalms became my place of refuge – my hiding place. I literally ran to my Bible and held it closely as I read one Scripture after another in which David held on to God with everything he had. Because even David had days when he was lonely and defeated and heartbroken and beaten up spiritually. And yes, when he was afraid. David – the warrior – was afraid.

 

The Scripture found in Psalm 46:1-2 became a minute by minute encouragement to me. David writes “God is our 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.” That was exactly how I felt: everything beneath my feet had suddenly shattered and I was in freefall with no rope for security.

 

If you have not experienced the suddenness of loss, either of a loved one or a job or something secure in your life, you will. Jesus tells us that we will have problems in this world (John 16:33) but the great news is that He has already overcome every single heartache that we will face.

 

Because Jesus held on to me and spoke truth, my unwelcome guest was kicked from my home and my heart and replaced with the power of the Holy Spirit. Oh, Satan still tries to sneak back in every so often. But I no longer live in fear. I live in faith.

 

 

Father, thank you for being my strength when I have none and for always being by my side. I choose to listen to your voice. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

R.A.P. it up . . .

 

 

Reflect

• Can you think of an experience when fear took over every part of your life and you found yourself struggling?

 

Apply

• There are 150 chapters in the book of Psalms. Read 5 per day for one month. Underline or highlight those parts that specifically speak to your heart.

 

• Memorize Psalm 46:1-2 and praise the Lord for His presence by your side, no matter what you face in life. He is faithful.

 

Power

• Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV) “God is our 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.”

 

• Psalm 27:1 (NIV) “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?”

 

• Psalm 16:8 (NIV) “I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

  

The Fragrance called “Some Day”

 

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of him.”

II Corinthians 2:14 (NIV)

 

The perfume had a fragrance unlike any other. One spray and I was immediately in a luxurious world of perfect hair and skin, toned thighs and straight, super-white teeth. The only catch was the cost: it was extremely expensive. As I debated about whether or not to buy a bottle – a small bottle – I began to justify the expense in my mind. I wouldn’t use it every day but would save it for special occasions.

 

And then when I DID use it, I would limit myself to one quick spray only. That way, I thought, it would last longer. I bought a small bottle and put it on the top shelf in the bathroom. I periodically took it down to admire the beautiful bottle but I didn’t use it.

 

My husband kept asking “When are you going to use that expensive perfume that you just had to have?” and I would reply “Some day, for a special occasion.” What a big mistake that was!

 

Three months after my pricey purchase, I saw the bottle on the top shelf and decided the time had come to use the perfume. I carefully pulled out the gorgeous bottle. Off came the lid and I excitedly sprayed my neck with the amazing fragrance. But instead of a beautiful scent I immediately began coughing.

 

The fragrance was rancid and smelled like the bottle had been filled with vinegar, toilet bowl cleaner and motor oil and shaken up. I quickly grabbed a towel and started wiping off my neck. My plan to keep the perfume for a special occasion had kept me from using it altogether and it had become stale and quite frankly, disgusting!

 

That is exactly what happens to the fragrance Christ wants me to be by sharing His love and mercy but I decide to wait for the perfect opportunity  . . . someday.  There are needs all around me; people are hurting every minute of every day. And yet, forgive me, but I have said to myself “Some day, I’ll write that note or visit that widow or call the lady who has been gone from church for weeks.”

 

And I justify my decision by thinking “Someday, when I have more time or when I’m less busy or when the kids are older or when I am retired, THEN I will have time to be the hands and feet of Jesus.” And what happens? The “someday” never comes . . . and the fragrance of compassion becomes the stench of procrastination.

 

Please, hear this cry from my heart: if you put off sharing the fragrance of Jesus with someone who is hurting until the perfect day, the opportunity to share with that person may never come again. Don’t put off sharing the fragrance of Christ for someday. Do it today!

 

Father, I want to be the fragrance of you and not put off being your reflection to the hurting because I am waiting for the right moment. That moment is now. And I am ready to serve you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

R.A.P. it up . . .

 

Reflect

• Have you ever opened an old bottle of perfume and noticed the stale odor?

 

• How do you think the Lord feels when we choose to be a stale odor instead of a beautiful fragrance of Jesus to people around us?

 

Apply

• Place a bottle of perfume in the sock drawer of your dresser along with a note card with II Corinthians 2:14 on it.

 

• Every time you open the drawer, ask the Lord to show you how you can be a fragrant example of Christ to someone around you who is hurting.

 

Power

• II Corinthians 2:14 (NIV) “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of him.”

 

• II Corinthians 2:15 (NIV) “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

 

• Matthew 25:40 (NIV) “…I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

What's Your Giant's Name?

 

“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the

armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

I Samuel 17:45 (NIV)

 

As I stood in the store by the life size cardboard cutout of the famous basketball player Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal, I was totally in awe – and a little unnerved. He was 7’1” tall and weighed 325 pounds. I was 5’8” and weighed in at about 115 pounds. I tried to imagine what it would be like to have him as a bodyguard and decided instantly that he would without a doubt intimidate even the strongest and bravest of men.

 

I could not help but compare Shaq with another man who, believe it or not, was much bigger. His name was Goliath. It is estimated from Scripture that Goliath was over 9’ tall and weighed a minimum of 650 pounds. Mercy. If you compare that with the average height for men during that time period of just a bit over 5 feet tall, you can appreciate how frightened they would be at just the appearance of Goliath.

 

In I Samuel we read that Goliath, a Philistine, had been intimidating the Israelite army day after day in an attempt to fill them with fear. And it was working. The army listened to his daily taunts as they focused on his size until they were all too frightened to challenge the mighty giant. Fear gripped the hearts and minds of the bravest of the brave in the Israelite army to a man, and Scripture tells us they were terrified.  

 

Except for a boy – a boy named David. A belief and trust in God’s power, a sling and a stone later, the giant came down and the rest is history. David’s focus was not on the giant or his taunts; instead he was focused on the One he knew had power over fear, doubt and a situation that appeared hopeless to an entire army.

 

So let me ask you something: what is your giant? What fear keeps you awake at night? What scares you until you can hardly breathe and steals peace from your heart day after day? Is it wars being fought all over the world or the threat of a devastating disease or illness? Could it be that a close friend or family member does not know the Lord and doesn’t seem to care or maybe it’s the fear that someone you love no longer loves you? Or have you lost someone special to you and you fear being alone?

 

Whatever you are facing, I encourage you to switch your focus from Goliath to God. Bring your fear before the God of the Universe. There is no giant He cannot conquer when you trust Him to defeat every fear and doubt and bring your giant to its knees.

 

Father, thank you for battling my giants as I switch my focus to you and your power. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

 

R.A.P. it up . . .

 

Reflect

• Have you ever felt like situations in your life were so big that even God could not handle them?

 

• Were you focusing on the giants or on God?

 

Apply

• Write down the giants in your life right now that you are struggling with on separate pieces of paper.

 

• Then, one at a time, wad up each paper and throw it away, switching your focus from the giant to God. Thank Him for what He is going to do to handle that giant for you.

 

Power

• I Samuel 17:45 (NIV) “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

 

• I John 4:4 (NIV) “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

 

• Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

Out of the Mouth of . . . a Donkey?

 

“The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own donkey,

which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I

been in the habit of doing this to you?”

Numbers 22:30 (NIV)

 

A talking horse . . . who would have thought it! But “Mister Ed,” a popular television show when I was a little girl, used that concept to capture the hearts of thousands of children. The horse – Mister Ed – spoke only to his owner, Wilbur Post.

 

 Throughout the series, there was no explanation offered for Mister Ed being able to speak to Wilbur. In fact, in the very first episode, when Wilbur stated aloud that he was unable to understand how his horse could talk, Mister Ed offered this bit of wisdom: “Don’t try. It’s bigger than both of us.”

 

The Scripture in Numbers 22:30 also involves a conversation with an animal: a donkey. Let me explain. It seems that Balaam, at one time a man of God, was contacted by King Balak of Moab who asked him to curse Israel. The king was afraid of the Israelites because of their large numbers and because he saw what they had done to the Amorites when they came up against them.

 

The king’s plan was this: find a prophet who would get God to curse the Israelites so that he and his kingdom would be safe from harm. Enter Balaam. King Balak sent princes to Balaam to persuade him to curse the Israelites. Balaam asked them to wait overnight while he got an answer from God.

 

The next day he gave them God’s answer: “You must not put a curse on these people, because they are blessed.” (verse 12) They left, only to be replaced with other, more distinguished princes who returned with an offer of a substantial reward if he would carry out their request. And what did Balaam do? He went to God again, trying to persuade Him to change His mind.

 

One would suspect the offer of a reward was surely a big factor in Balaam’s decision. This time the Lord, though angry with Balaam, gave permission for him to go with the men back to King Balak but told him to only  do what He, God, told   him to do. That’s where the talking donkey comes in.

 

As Balaam is riding along the road on his donkey, God placed an angel in his path. Balaam could not see it but the donkey could. Three times the donkey tried to turn from the path and each time Balaam beat her with his staff.

 

Finally the donkey turned to look at Balaam and spoke. “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?” The Lord then allowed Balaam to see the angel in front of him, sword in hand. Had he gone on, Balaam would have been killed.  

We have been given the Holy Spirit in our lives to direct our paths. But sometimes we want something so badly that we do not listen as He speaks to our hearts to take a different path. We need to remember that there are times that God places roadblocks in the path that we are choosing. Perhaps, like Balaam, He is trying to protect us. Or it could be that the timing is not yet right for us to go in that direction.

  

I encourage you to listen to the gift of the Holy Spirit that we have been given as we face decisions in our lives. He will direct our pathways every single day.  

 

 

Father, thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit to guide my decisions each day. Help me to open the ears of my heart to your will for my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

 

R.A.P. it up . . .

 

Reflect

• Have you ever wanted something so badly that you ignored the “warning signs” of the Holy Spirit that perhaps your choice was not a wise one?

 

• If you ignored the warnings and went ahead with your plans, what was the outcome? Everything you thought it would be or disappointment?

 

Apply

• Journal decisions that need to be made in your life and the possible answers to those decisions.

 

• During prayer time, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and guide you toward the answers that He has for you. Listen for His guidance through the Word.

 

Power

• Numbers 22:30 (NIV) “The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?”

 

• John 8:47 (NIV) “He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

 

• Ezekiel 3:10 (NIV) “And he said to me, “Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you.”

Fix It, God!

 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4 (NIV)

 

Teaching my four-year old grandson to tie his shoes was quite a challenge. He struggled for several minutes but eventually was able to get “one rabbit in the hole” before his attention turned to “Max and Ruby” on television and the lesson ended. But it brought back memories of another shoe tying experience as school nurse many years ago.

 

            I was in my office when a mom of one of our first graders came in, obviously frustrated. She looked at me and demanded “Nurse Nancy, I have a problem and YOU need to fix it now.” Notice that she was the one with the problem but I was the one she had decided needed to fix it. So I said “Well, Mrs. Smith, what’s the problem?” And she said “It’s my daughter Megan. She refuses to learn to tie her shoes.”

 

When I asked what she had done to help her daughter so far, she replied “Well, I show her how to do it but she screams and refuses to even try. She throws her shoes at me and crosses her arms and yells at me to get out.” I couldn’t resist asking: “And what do you do then?” She seemed surprised at my question. “I get out, of course!” she replied.

 

To me the problem could be fixed within about 10 minutes, I told her. She was very excited and said “How? Tell me how!”  (Can I mention that it was the middle of January and we were having some pretty nasty weather?) I continued “I would put Megan’s shoes on the front porch and put Megan on the front porch. Then I would tell her she can come in when she ties her shoes as I shut and locked the door.” 

 

Honestly, does that not make sense to you? Made sense to me. But Mrs. Smith obviously didn’t think so because she began yelling “I can’t believe you would ever suggest anything like that! YOU don’t have a heart!” I thought to myself: “And YOU don’t have a brain.” (Yes, it was a thought for which I later repented.)

 

How many times am I faced with a tough situation and immediately pray “Fix it, God!” without seeking His will from His Word? And then, when I finally do seek His will and He answers me, I don’t like what He speaks to my heart. Maybe He whispers “You can do it, Nancy” or “Wait, Nancy” or “Keep on doing what you are doing and be patient, Nancy” but that’s not what I want to hear. Too often, I know what God wants me to do . . . I just don’t want to do it.

 

Instead, I want HIM to instantly get rid of the trial by either removing or solving the situation or changing the person that I have a conflict with or . . . you get the picture?

We must learn to seek His face first, in any and all situations. And when we do that, we have to be willing to listen to His answer . . . and to obey. Oh the lessons I have learned when trials have come and I have focused on the Lord and listened to His voice.

 

Resist the urge to cry “Fix it!” to God and instead trust Him to guide in His Word through whatever situation you may be facing . . . including shoes that refuse to be tied!

 

Father, so many times I ask you to fix a situation or problem in my life instead of seeking your will or direction. Please guide and direct me through each trial so that I may grow and mature as a follower of Christ. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

R.A.P. it up . . .

 

Reflect

• What is your immediate reaction when faced with a trial?

 

• Do you want it “fixed” instantly or do you ask God to show you His will?

 

Apply

• When a trial confronts you, meet it head on with a short prayer of “Your will, your way, Father.”

 

• Journal a list of all the previous trials you have had and how God answered your prayers each time. Then praise Him for His faithfulness.

 

Power

• James 1:2-4 (NIV) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

 

• Psalm 55:22 (NIV) “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”

 

• Proverbs 3:5-8 (NIV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”

Reality Check - Who's In Control?

 

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 27:1 (NIV)

 

 “He’s going to college, Lord – COLLEGE!!! What if he meets the wrong people? What if he doesn’t study and loses his scholarship? What if someone hits him over the head and takes his money? What if he doesn’t match the right shirt with the right pair of jeans? What if? What if? What if? Calm and reason gave way to unreasonable in a matter of seconds. Ever been there?

 

Well, I was. Our oldest child was heading to a college only about 40 miles away. To me it might as well have been across the country, the sea, and on a completely different continent. I realized that I was worrying and fearful, but isn’t that on a mother’s job application? “Must be able to worry and be fearful on demand.”

 

However, something happened. The worry and fear that I entertained with a cup of tea and two cookies became a never-ending 8-course meal. Those two sins (and they ARE sins) kept popping up in my mind. I had allowed common sense and sanity to become an obsession with my son leaving when the Lord decided He had had enough.

 

One evening I was praying about the move away from home when the Lord spoke quietly but firmly to my heart: “Nancy, I’ve checked and the college he is going to is within my territory. It’s on my beat. It’s on my shift. I do not need a map. I KNOW where it is, Nancy. And I love him.” Talk about a reality check!

 

It was easy for me to trust the Lord with my son’s life when he was right in front of me and living in my house. But the minute I saw that he was going to be out of my control, I lost control and became a maniac. Every Scripture that I had memorized about a Father who is in control, knows all things and protects us was replaced with doubt and a franticness that threatened to consume me.

 

What had happened? I had allowed Satan to creep in and steal my confidence in my Father. Instead of praising the Lord for my son and asking Him to guide and direct as he moved in a new direction in his life, I focused on the situation and not on the Source of strength and power.

 

Instead of realizing that no matter where my son was, my Father was in complete control, I had somehow thought that I was the one in control and that my son’s success or failure in life would solely depend on his living under my roof where I could keep an eye on every move and every decision. So what did I do?

 

I got on my knees and asked my Father to forgive me for not trusting His plan and protection for my son’s life. My heart cried out “He is yours, Father. You have entrusted him to me for this time on earth and I trust you to do your will in his life.”

 

Would you believe that my son did just fine at college? He did. Would you believe that the Lord watched over him and directed his path? In every way, yes. And would you believe that Satan still tried to sneak into my thoughts and convince me that, without me at the controls of his life, my son was destined for one horrible problem after another?

 

Oh, yes, he tried. But each time Satan whispered his lies, I focused on a Father who says in Isaiah 43:1” . . . Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” (NIV) He knows my son’s name and He knows your name, too.

 

God has created us, His children, and wants to take care of us and to direct our lives every day. Hand every situation in your life to the One who is in control of heaven and earth, sky and sea, and yes, of your life and mine. The Creator does not need directions to your home. He simply needs permission to enter your heart and take control.

 

Father, you are in control and I am not. Nothing happens in my life that does not first pass through your hands. I trust you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

R.A.P. it up . . .

 

Reflect

• What is your first reaction when you feel you are not in control of a situation? Is it worry or prayer?

 

• Do you have a prayer warrior who will hold you accountable when you begin to worry over problems instead of placing them at the feet of Jesus?

 

Apply

• Every morning, pause for two minutes and give the Lord your day Ask Him to help you trust Him with everything you will face and praise Him for His answers.

 

• Write down Scriptures on index cards that encourage you to trust the Lord and tape them around your home. As you memorize them, make new cards and repeat.

 

Power

• Psalm 27:1 (NIV) “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”

 

• Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (NIV)

 

• I Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (NIV)

 

Know Your Opponent

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

I Peter 5:8 (NIV)

 

The football game was the most important one being played that season. If our team won, they would advance to the state championship. If they lost, their season was done and they would go home. Both teams were strong and talented and rivals for years. And both wanted to win badly. The game went back and forth with outstanding plays and scoring.

 

But, ever so slightly, a difference in the defense of our team began to shine until it became obvious to everyone who was watching: one of our players seemed to be able to anticipate almost every play the opposing quarterback was making and was able to tackle time and time again for a loss of yards for the opposing team. It made the difference in the game and our team won.

 

In the post-game interview, the coach explained what had happened. “I think their coach thought I was reading his plays but I wasn’t. I had one young man who spent every evening last week going over the film of this team. Josh studied their quarterback and began to recognize a pattern. The quarterback had a habit of tilting his head or stepping a certain way if he was going to throw a pass or run the ball. Josh recognized that because he had taken the time to dig deep in those films to learn how the other team operated. And it paid off because he was prepared by knowing the opponent.”

 

It always pays to know your opponent, or as it says in I Peter 5:8, your “enemy.” And our opponent – our enemy – in this world is Satan. We are in the battle OF our lives FOR our lives. Just as football requires a lot of gear to be worn for protection, we Christians must wear protection in our battle with Satan. However if you notice in Ephesians 6:13-17, along with all the gear we need to wear, our one weapon is the sword of the spirit: the Word of God. But it’s all we need!

 

Josh could have thought about the game all week and hoped it would turn out okay; instead he was disciplined enough to prepare himself off the field so he could battle the other team on the field. As Christians, we too must be disciplined (self-controlled) and learn how the enemy can attack so we can do battle spiritually.

 

And the one place we will learn about the evil Satan has planned for us and how to do battle is by being in the Word. God’s Word. Truth. Every day. By learning to recognize Satan’s possible attacks, we will be like Josh and the football game – alert to every move of the opponent and prepared for battle and victory.

 

Father, thank you for giving us your Word as a weapon against Satan. I want to dig into it every day so I will recognize the moves of the enemy. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

R.A.P. it up . . .

 

 

Reflect

• What spiritual opponents are you facing in your life?
• Do you feel like you are prepared for battle? Why or why not?

 

Apply

• Journal for a week how much time you spend in the Bible and a time of prayer with the Lord, gaining strength from God’s Word and encouragement to you.

 

• Compare that to the victories over sin and Satan that you had during the same week. Determine whether you need to increase your Word time to increase your victory outcome.

 

Power

• I Peter 5:8 (NIV) “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

 

• Ephesians 6:17 (NIV) “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

 

• Romans 12:21 (NIV) “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”