No Fear

fear (noun)   1. an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

This picture represents an effort to help the Princess Jelly (in the middle of her two boys, of course) overcome her fear of thunder.  At the clap of thunder, she would jump up and shake and cling to the nearest adult.

With the first thunderstorm the spring after her 2nd birthday, the boys and I became super excited and wanted to hear every “boom”.  Our boys had been down the road of fearing thunder, but quickly learned that their parents love thunder and they soon shared the same amazement.  So, as an attempt to enjoy the thunder without Jelly shaking with worry, I told the kids we would watch the rain show.  The boys pulled out their little chairs and I quickly ran into the house and popped some popcorn.

Making the storm exciting, fun, and a good form of entertainment, happened to be just the thing to ease her concern.  She sat there less frightened, still edgy, but was able to enjoy all of her popcorn.  We haven’t had the privilege of hearing thunder yet this spring, but as of last year, she wasn’t too uneasy when it rolled around.

Fear is a real struggle for adults too.  There are the maybe less concerning fears like:  the fear of spiders, snakes, mice, water, ice, fire, wrinkles, flying, driving, etc.  However, there is a large list of greater angst:  the fear of losing a loved one, a car accident, something bad happening, financial struggles, commitment, relationships, or fear of growing old, getting sick, getting hurt, or perhaps the biggest fear of all…the fear of dying.

I think it’s fascinating how easily children trust.  We held her through her times of fear.  We prayed with her and did our best to calm her, and she was usually okay with that.  She saw how we enjoy storms and learned that she was going to be okay, even if the cracking thunder was explosive in her ears.

What do you do with your fear?  Do you become anxious?  Angry?  Sick?  Depressed?  Or, are you able to deal with the fear and overcome it?  I think that some level of fear will exist as long as we have breath.  But, God does not give us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)  He does not want us to be fearful.  He wants to hold us and calm us and tell us the storm is going to be okay.  He wants our trust.

trust (noun) firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.

I thought it was interesting to use TRUST as a noun.  It can also be a verb, an action we practice.  But, as a noun, it becomes “a belief”.  I want my belief (trust) to be God.  I want to rely on Him, His ability, and His strength.

There have been times in my life when fear is very real.  It grips me and ties my stomach in knots.  I can truly say, God has never left me afraid.  Sometimes it might take a while til the darkness flees, but what is darkness?  The absence of light.  When the Light (God) is present, the darkness cannot stay around.

Here is a list of just some scriptures I have found to help me.  You can read them and make them your prayer.

• Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
• Isaiah 41:10 – Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
• Psalms 34:4 – I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
• Joshua 1:9 – Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.
• 2 Samuel 22:3 -The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
• Psalms 9:10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
• Psalms 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
• Psalms 56:11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
• Psalms 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
• Psalms 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
• Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
• Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
• Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
• Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Make it your choice today to put your trust in God.  There is no thing or person more stable or constant in this ever-changing world.

this is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it                  (Psalms 118:24)

Stepping Past Sticky

I had a total “mom moment” the other afternoon with almost an immediate thought of, “there has to be a teaching point in here somewhere!” My almost 7-year-old son came running in the house from playing outside.  He dashed past me and my sister sitting in the living room and ducked into the kitchen.  I guessed something was up.  He wasn’t just dashing for a drink.

I interrogated him briefly and finally got him to “spill his beans”. He had schemed up what he considered to be brilliant plan.  Coming from a boy who cannot stand any form of gum whatsoever (seriously not minty gum, bubble gum, fruity gum…NO gum!), I could not believe my ears.  This child had decided he was going to chew TWO pieces of gum, then spit it out on the sidewalk in front of my house!

And for what, you ask?!  My question exactly.  He wanted his dear, eldest brother (who also cannot stand even the smell of gum) to unknowingly either a) step in it with his flip-flops or b) ride through it with his bike. Again, you ask why?  So did I.  He floundered a few moments for a “good” answer.  He finally stated with a huge grin, “because I thought it would fun to see it get stuck all over.”

Really?  Really?!  How in the mind of a silly boy is that “fun”?  Okay, maybe I could stick myself into his shoes for a moment and think it’s a little funny.  While grinning back at him I replied, “do you really think that is a good idea?  What happens AFTER your brother steps in or rides through that sticky gum?  Let’s think this through to the end result.”

Together we “stepped through” the situation and concluded that, spitting out chewed gum onto the sidewalk in front of our house would definitely NOT be a good idea.  He still happily scooted back outside for a different adventure.

If only we all had someone watching our every move and stopping us to explain that something we are about to do would, most definitely, NOT be a good idea.  I take to heart that God is keeping an eye on things and He knows just what is going on.  He does see our plans and ambitions.  He knows the directions we are moving.  He sees all the good AND the bad.

Proverbs 5:21 – For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

Proverbs 15:3 – The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

 

Then, if only we all had the desire to seek after what is good.  However, not to what we think is “good” in our own eyes.  My son was definitely trying to be sneaky.  I’m pretty sure he knew I would not approve.  However, even through the correcting and destroying of his plan, he kept a right spirit and he heeded my guidance.

My desire today is to choose to have a teachable spirit.

Psalms 25:4 – Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

Psalms 25:5 – Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

Psalms 143:10 – Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

 

If we find ourselves near a sticky situation, I believe that God is there to help us out.  It may be that the business plan we have isn’t going to end in the best result.  Or, maybe there is a relationship that is going in the wrong direction.  Whatever it may be, He will give us direction and show us the clear paths…if we are willing to allow Him to do so.  His ways are so much better than our ways and His spirit is good.

this is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it  (Psalms 118:24)