The Fear Response
“I asked the Lord for help and he saved me from all my fears” (Psalms 34:4, CEV)
Fear is not of God – He says so himself. He has not given us the spirit of fear. Fear is a weapon of the enemy. It helps blur our reactions, it immobilizes, it confuses and just keeps us chained in misery, sleeplessness and inactivity.
Now, that’s further evidence that fear cannot be from God. A loving Father will not give this to his children.
I’ll give you an example: So in the last few weeks, I’ve almost lost count of the number of death announcements I have heard. I got really scared at one point. Why are people dying? Good people, young people, nice people? What is happening Lord. I don’t want to die yet, I don’t want my husband to die yet or all the other wonderful people in my life.
Truth is, I don’t know what tomorrow holds, I’m pretty certain you don’t either. And I will no longer let the enemy use this fear to keep me immobilized. My life is in God’s hands. I have asked Him to keep and preserve and bless us. But I also know that I must be ready if the Master chooses to call me home. So we keep moving, being about the Father’s business – in all He’s called us to do. We’re walking in obedience and teaching our children to do the same. We are mindful of His promises – not letting fear keep us up at night with all the ‘what-ifs’.
This is just one instance. How else are you being kept inactive and immobilized? Fear of being laughed at? Fear of making a fool of yourself? Fear of living a wasted life? Here’s my idea of a wasted life – nothing ventured. A life of no adventures, no challenges. A life lived within your comfort zone. A life not spent living out your passions and your dreams. What a life to live?!
Lord, help us live lives that count. That count before you, for that’s the only opinion that’s eternal. Whatever happens, the Lord loves me and ALL things work together for good to us who love God and who are called according to His purposes.