Edmond, Oklahoma
When the world as I know it is falling apart around me, fear tries to take residence in my heart. It’s wizened fingers begin a slow steady squeeze around my otherwise healthy core.
Fear of the when
Fear of the how
Fear that the truth will be a destroyer.
Fear of the what ifs…
Fear of a future that looks different than I envisioned.
Fear that throws me to my knees
Fear that paralyzes my prayer life
Fear that sinks into my bones until all I can think about is the distressing situation at hand.
I mull, I fret, I feel that sinking pit in my stomach
The one that robs me of my appetite and steals my peace.
I move even farther into my head. My brain explodes with unpleasant thoughts.
Fear for my children
Fear for my grandchildren (and I don’t even have any)
Fear for my family
Fear for my country,
Fear for my freedom of belief.
I realize I must slow the skid. It must be The Spirit who scolds me. It slows the whirlwind of destruction in my head and whispers, “Breathe in, breathe out, breathe deep and slow.”
Then it happens— my brain awakens to the truth I know, the truth I’ve studied since I was small.
The truth of God’s word
The truth of God’s universe
The truth that He is the one who runs the show.
I am not in control, never have been, never will be. I can ride this roller-coaster of unease and worry masked as concern. I can feed it with daily doses of news reports and politics, with stories of terror, illness and war.
Or I can choose to wean myself and dwell on the things I can have an impact on.
A marriage of meaning and fulfillment
Relationships with my children
Cultivation of friendships
Befriending and caring for the lonely and downtrodden
Sharing his word with others.
Freedom is there for the asking.
Peace be my companion.
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Philippians 4:6,7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hears and your minds in Christ Jesus.
-What do you fear the most?
-Only God can give you the peace and freedom from fear you desire. Pray for that peace and don’t be afraid to seek help if you need to.