"I will lift up my eyes to the hills— from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1
From the breathtaking mountains of Colorado . . . back down to the foothills of Mount Neverest (laundry). I didn't want to come home. I wanted to stay there and stare at God's art work all day, every day!
What did I come home to, besides lots of dirty clothes? A busy autumn schedule, a spiritual battle, and a wall of fear . . . it looms over me.
- How am I going to ____?
- What if ____ happens?
- I don't feel good about ____.
- Am I going to be able to be ____?
- Am I ever going to be content with an imperfect life and house?
- What about my friend's hurts?
- What if ____ happens to my family?
- What if my dreams for Women On God's Mission are too big?
- What if I've bitten off too much with my schedule?
- How can I continue to make the 45 minute commute to church 2-3 times per week?
- Do my goals match God's plans for me?
Fears like a dripping faucet nag at my heart - that loved ones who do not believe in Jesus, as the Way the Truth and the Life, will lose their opportunity with God. And fears for precious friends facing persecution around the world . . . on and on, the walls of fear could rival the Wall of China.
Thankfully, peace is not inextricably connected with time, place, vacation, God's beautiful creation, nor with anything I do or don't do! C.S. Lewis said, "God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." Where God is, there is peace. Even in the midst of hectic real life! I thank God that He uses these fears to draw me to Himself. If I had no fear, there would be no need for God.
"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
Romans 8:15
If I am carrying fears around, I am accepting a "gift" from the father of lies, Satan. After I lift off the enticing wrapper I drag around a back-breaking, heart-wrenching, rash inducing time bomb. Through me Satan disrespectfully flaunts a small victory in the face of his and my Creator God, while he designs to do everything he can to destroy me, my family, and any godly influence from my life! In contrast, our wonderful God sweetly yet powerfully assures, "I have it all under control." He calms the storms around me, giving me freedom to breathe, freedom to sleep sweetly, and the assurance that He is working on ___ and ___. God understands! God cares!
Are you in a fearful place? Surgery is scheduled, your biological clock is ticking, you lost your job, your baby has cancer, loved ones are moving away, your house won't sell, your husband is being called up for another tour of duty, you don't know if you are on your way to heaven when you die (see above under Lovely Links to get help), your very life is at stake in a land where there is no freedom of religion . . . whatever it is, Satan would love to tie us up in ropes of fear - he wants to snuff out all of the big dreams that come with following a big God!
Like my Indonesian sister in Christ told me tonight, "I just need to meditate more on His word and draw myself even closer to Him. This cloud of uncertainty and doubt has been a thorn I need to get rid of FAST!"
And when we are too weak to cast off our fears, He can and He will! Will you kneel with me right now and commit our fears to God? He has all the answers we need. He is the answer. Pray and watch the walls topple.
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’" Isaiah 41:10
