Dear Fear

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

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

Dear Fear,

You are not dear, and your presence has no place in the minds and hearts of God’s children.

Nevertheless, you lurk in shadows of doubt with your arsenal of mayhem aimed at us vulnerable over-thinkers.

Scripture warns of your infectious ways, yet too often we open frenzied doors to your intrusive suggestions that muddle minds and distract from what is real and abiding.

You feed off fertile imaginations and forgotten victories. You draw our eyes from the One who holds all power and purpose for our good, to wrongly focus on unfounded speculation. You lead us down dead-ends clogged with over-analyzed, worry-soaked scenarios that circle round, but never drain.

We have allowed you to intrude on divine appointments with our Savior when He walks us through the challenging, even scary seasons He permits in our lives. And we let ourselves be chased into dark holes and needless detours.

Fear, you are a thief and a deceiver. But no more!

Next time you knock on my door, don’t expect to be greeted by a cowering mind ready to be filled with your threatening nonsense. Instead, prepare to be met with the promises of God.

Promises like:

* He will never leave me or forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5) There goes my fear of abandonment.

* His grace is sufficient for His power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) Gone is my fear of being defeated by what I cannot handle.

* All things work together for good to them that love Him. (Romans 8:28) Here ends my fear of life’s uncertainties. God is merciful and nothing comes to me that is not sifted through His hands. So, Fear, think about that when you’re trying to weasel your way into my mind at 1:00am.

* The Lord is a “strong tower,” I need never fear the Enemy’s threatening assaults for I am always safely in God’s care. (Psalm 18:10)

* He tells me to come boldly before His throne of grace in time of trouble.” (Hebrews 4:16) Not frozen with uncertainty but assured I will meet His faithful intervention in my circumstances.

* He offers the gracious promise of a “peace that passes all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7)

Then, He goes a step further. Jesus tells me what to think next. Lovely, excellent things worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8) In the countless anxious hours we have spent together, have you ever once offered me that?

So, there you have it. Why would I ever entertain you for a moment? Yet, left to myself, there will be times I will be tempted, for I am but dust.

Gloriously, I have a Savior, an Advocate, and an Interceder who transforms the dens of lions into havens of protection.

You see now why you will never win. Fear will never succeed in stealing what is the birthright of every believer in Christ, which is:

Hope in every circumstance—not because of who we are, but because of Who we belong to.

Most assuredly,

A Child of the King

Question for Reflection:

Do you want to start a new collection? Set out on a spiritual treasure hunt? Secure a pen and paper. Keep it near your Bible, and as you spend time in God’s Word make it a point to jot down all the promises of God you encounter. You’re going to need a big notebook. Having these powerful reassurances written down and easily accessible will turn the table when fear knocks on your door.