Fighting Fears

Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 & James 5

Scripture:

"You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near." James 5:8

Observation:

Fear is the great destroyer of patience, the ultimate killer of heart, and the best messenger of abandonment. This morning's readings have revealed to me four fears that must be managed.

Application:

The first fear on my mind is fear of adversity. In 2 Chronicles 32:7-8, God reminds me that regardless of what I face on earth He is greater. That is a truth I know in my head, but I still have to fight my against feeling overwhelmed by adversarial people when they come my way. Far too often I allow them to steal away my joy, my peace and my happiness.

The second fear on my mind is fear of sin. This one is a little tricky. If sin was just some random evil that did nothing but immediately harm me then I would have no issue avoiding it. But it does not. Sin shows up and offers to fill a real, tangible need that I fear will not be met in any other way.

The third fear on my mind is fear of sickness. Bird flu. Swine flu. Cancer. Heart disease. And on and on and on the list goes. Living in today's world means living in a time when almost every disease has a name and generally its cause has been identified. It is so easy to get worried; especially with my kids. This is a fear that can consume me.

The final fear on my mind is the fear of not being good enough. This is my ultimate fear. My image of myself is not good. Satan knows this. He does not let a day slip by that he does not remind me of every weakness I have. This fear causes me to hesitate in following after God. I fear what I will say, how I will sound, and where obedience will take me. I fear failing God. I fear making a situation worse. I fear…

Prayer:

Admitting fear is not an easy task. I prefer to puff up my chest and pretend that I am not afraid. But I admit to You this morning that I am driven by fear. I confess this to You this morning as my sin.

Father I thank You for reminding me this morning to be patient with myself. Patience with me is a lot like asking the waves of the ocean to hold back. I need Your help. Give me rest from my drive to be perfect, allow be to be at ease even as I fail, and above all help me not to hold back until I get everything right.

I desire more than anything to walk in Your presence today. I want to be Your servant and know that You are my God. I want to sit in Your untouchable comfort and to rest in Your peace. Encourage me today to be all of the man I have the potential to be and to also continually pursue the better man I can be tomorrow.