fear not

It’s been a long while since I’ve shared anything on this blog page.  (Sorry about that, y’all.)  But those of you who follow my social media pages already know that the last two years have been quite taxing on me with increased chronic pain and health issues.

Without getting into all the nitty gritty details, today I find myself home again, in my pajam-jams, while still recovering from yet another necessary surgery and not being able to walk a full day without serious swelling and ouchie inflammation.  In fact, for many, many months, I have had to remain quite still, isolated, and mostly stationary in this space… watching old television and reading new books.  Anyway, sorry that I've not been writing more.

Anywhooo… this morning the hubby and I were up early enjoying some time together and discussing the state of the world.  (A big topic to hit at 5:30 a.m. but I was grateful to chat about anything other than my health woes.)  And though I do not care to elaborate with yáll about our political opinions and views, I do want to share where this conversation led us to.  You see, because I no longer work full time due to my health hardships, the Lord has been testing Chuck and I on how much we depend on Him vs. how much we allow our fears to impact the direction of our day-to-day lives.

Yes… FEAR!

We fear.

Humanity fears.

We spiral and stress.

We worry, worry, worry.

We panic while we forecast and make lists in our heads about handling the worst case scenarios of the day...

The worst job situation.  Being fired and out of work.
The worst home situation.  Being homeless.
The worst relationship situation.  Breaking up or possibly never finding anyone at all.
The worst health situation.  Disease… Ongoing Pain… Blindness… Deafness… Disability… Death.
The worst financial situation.  Debt.
The worst political situation.  Lost freedoms.  Broken economies.  Corrupted leaders.  Forgotten manners, cultures, traditions.

These many fears influence how people exist.
Our moods, our bank accounts, and our time hinges on the millions of threats out there to be faced.

But God commands us, “Do not fear.”
Why?
Because He is with us.

Just like my spouse is “with me”… standing by me, supporting me, loving me through this life… more so, God Almighty walks with us in a very personal, intimate, and covenant way.

This is the Savior who endeavors wherever we endeavor.  He sees everything we see.  He even died on our behalf, no matter if we would acknowledge His authority and love Him in return.  Simply, God promises to be right here, right now with us.  He ordains our steps, defines our purpose, promises our future, strengthens and helps, and continues to love, and give, and bless despite our human messiness.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
(Isaiah 41:10)

So why do we fear?
Rather, why don’t we cast away our fears and notice God with us?

I think it is because we usually are our own worst enemy.  We trust ourselves, our own logic, our inner reason, and our desires in the everyday more than we seek after His Word and His Way.  As such, we end up lacking and afraid.  Believing the lie that we too are in control.  Behaving in our own best interest rather than choosing to lay lovingly upon the altar of the Creator who knows us better than we know ourselves.

Why do we fear?
Because we are self-focused rather than inspired in His grace.

Seriously, we fear so much.  But in truth, we only need to fear the Lord in humble reverence.  For we are not God.  We cannot know the unknown things ahead.  We cannot determine the depth of the waves or the strength of a storm.  We can only trust or not trust His eternal promises.  Obey or not obey His lawful commandments.  Worship or not worship His holy throne.  We are broken, but He is not.  We are tarnished and corrupted, but He is not.  Without Him, we are lost and struggling to survive a fate we alone cannot overcome.  We need God with us.  We need His help.  We need His adoption and love to save us each day... forever.

So rather than fear… why not rejoice?
Rather than panic and make lists in our heads about horrors that may or may not await... why not focus on His holiness and nothing else.  For He knows the trial.  He knows our path.  He is with us, and that is what matters most.

So, do not fear.
God is here.
He is strong.
He will help.
He will uphold.
He will see you through.
He promises and is able to protect you.
He is all you need to live this day.
His covenant stands eternal.
His love for you is everlasting.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:6-11)

Blessings,

Victoria

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