I’m in a transitional season—more coming about that in future posts I’m sure—and I’m starting to realize how much room I’ve allowed for fear to grow and fester. It’s not always here, but I have it tucked away in a back closet somewhere, and it comes out whenever it pleases.
I like to call fear and worry by different names. Like somehow dressing them up in costumes of concern, awareness, or research makes them more acceptable to have around.
The reality is, there are plenty of things in life that can provoke fear. So many things we have little knowledge of or zero control over. I struggle to keep the balance between making wise decisions and being consumed with the what if’s. I want to figure it all out. To know every angle, and make the best decision. But I can’t. I must trust.
And really, those moments of trust are when I’m happiest. Not when I’ve figured it all out or made sense of the world. But when God whispers to me in the quietness of my heart “I got this. Let it go.”
I can relate to the boy with five small loaves and two fish. Who looks at Jesus and says “here is what I have” even though he knows it’s not enough to meet the need. And Jesus says “watch this!” as he feeds the multitude. I KNOW that is my God. But I struggle to maintain right perspective of who He is. Thinking somehow my five loaves and two fish must be greater … better … more … before I lay them at the feet of Jesus.
Fear and worry creep in, not because they’re sneaky but because I invite them. They don’t steal the peace the God has given me. I trade it away. Bartering for information, and rational thought, and then often later, irrational thought. Like somehow my brain will reason a better peace than the kind surpassing all understanding.
So as part of my season of transition, I’m ditching worry. I refuse to be marked by fear. You have no place in my head, in my heart, or my home. I’m revoking your invitation.
Sure, I’ll continue to research and plan, to seek the Lord and ask for wisdom, but I will stop picking up the burdens I lay at His feet. A sound mind comes from being in the presence of God—it’s worthless to care so much that I wander away from the One who cares for me.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'” Romans 8:15
How do you live in faith and not fear?
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