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“Fear not … ’’ You’ve Got to Be Kidding!: Fear in Expectation

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God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though ______ …

” Psalm 46:10

How would you fill in the blank for Psalm 46:10 as it appears above? Maybe you’re in a fearful place today. This week let’s talk about some of our fears and discover God’s way to overcome them.

 

Fear in Expectation

“Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.”

2 Corinthians 3:5, NASB

“What storm are you facing?”

wednesdayThis morning as I chafed under a particular burden, Anne Graham Lotz’s comforting, wise voice spoke directly to me via the radio. I always love to hear what she shares: a thoughtful combination of God’s Word and corresponding, applicable wisdom. For my life. At that moment. Especially today.

Without hesitation I audibly answered her question, paraphrased above. My storm? Homeschooling.

I was experiencing an unpleasant moment of absolutely desiring to Throw. In. The. Towel. Weary of lousy attitudes, lack of motivation (mostly mine), helter-skelter scheduling, etc., I didn’t know which way to turn. But dear Mrs. Lotz followed her question with an encouragement, confidently communicating that whatever the storm, it would carry me closer to the Lord.

Homeschooling–this responsibility I’m often ready to relinquish, this daily sense of being behind, this constant concern my kids just aren’t getting enough educationally–THIS will carry me closer to Jesus?

YES. As I cling to Him in faith, He’ll handle my storm and every crashing wave in between. Nothing confounds or limits Him. NOTHING is impossible for Him. Why worry? GOD IS ABLE! Unfortunately, I waste time and energy entertaining anxiety, trying to homeschool in my own strength. I forget God maintains interest even in life’s ordinary aspects–mine, and yours–that sometimes brew into storms. Despite our frequent freak-out moments and feelings of inadequacy, He’s got it. We simply need to trust.

Now surrendering control yet again to my Lord, peace has re-entered my situation. I watch my children–one cheerfully participating in an online English class while another learns to utilize creativity in the wondrous outdoors. Still another one enjoys free time after successfully presenting a thoroughly researched verbal report this morning. What in the world had me so stressed?

I ponder in retrospect. Inwardly chiding myself, I recognize I’m too critical, too fearful about our homeschool state. Perhaps my negativity creates storms–ugh, what a discouraging thought. But even in that case, I hear the Lord’s gentle voice, reassuring me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).

Breathing deeply, I rest within. God’s grace IS sufficient. Though I’m fragilely weak, HE remains strong.

Already I feel closer to Him.

Emily

“Fear not … ’’ You’ve Got to Be Kidding!: Fear in Confrontation

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God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though ______ …

” Psalm 46:10

How would you fill in the blank for Psalm 46:10 as it appears above? Maybe you’re in a fearful place today. This week let’s talk about some of our fears and discover God’s way to overcome them.

 

Fear in Confrontation

 

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.”

2 Corinthians 9:8

UnknownI’m afraid. Not of what you might expect; rather, I’m afraid of speaking correction to one of my children. Difficulties arise from time to time in family life, and I’m beginning to recognize my tremendous hesitation to speak out. I’m afraid it will make matters worse. Plus, it’s easier to just take it and let it pass. Or is it?

Yesterday was filled with challenges. One of them was a strong difference of opinion with one of my children, which led to much upset. Wanting to respond properly, I endured and mostly maintained my composure. Yet eventually I retreated outside and dissolved in tears.

Life’s pressures overwhelm at times. Just when it seems we can’t handle anymore, something else descends heavily. Wonderfully God had given me today’s Dose verse earlier in the day. Grace–whew! I needed it! Abundant, overflowing, precious grace.

Thankfully my child apologized. That doesn’t mean, however, we saw eye to eye on everything our situation entailed. Which is where my fear comes in. Wholeheartedly I long for God’s best for my child, but I frequently feel so timid or inept when it comes to speaking correction. Instead of prayerfully trusting God for the outcome and moving forward responsibly, I’m cringing and avoiding conflict.

Motherhood takes courage. In a world where many positions are rightfully honored and valued, sometimes motherhood gets left behind. Sometimes Christian mothers aren’t appreciated for their repeated march into battle for their children. Certainly I don’t see myself as an amazing mother–probably a good thing. Perhaps, though, if I start looking at myself as God’s instrument in the lives of my children, courage will swell within and flow out with positive force.

While often I’m blind to it, God continually equips me as a mom. Though my faults abound, His grace abounds all the more. I will lean on Him to provide exactly what I need in this particular circumstance. He will not fail.

Motherhood takes courage … and God will supply.

Emily

“Fear not … ’’ You’ve Got to Be Kidding!: Fear in Separation

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God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though ______ …

” Psalm 46:10

How would you fill in the blank for Psalm 46:10 as it appears above? Maybe you’re in a fearful place today. This week let’s talk about some of our fears and discover God’s way to overcome them.

 

Fear in Separation

“O clap your hands, all peoples; Shout to God with the voice of joy. For the LORD Most High is to be feared, A great King over all the earth … God is the King of all the earth … God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne.”

Psalm 47:1-2, 7-8

mondayIt was the Fourth of July: Feeling muggy and crowded, we walked toward the ocean for the fireworks display. My family and I were camping at Myrtle Beach State Park, and we eagerly anticipated the light show. Our children were little at the time—aged nine and younger.

In their excitement, two of our sons ran ahead. Suddenly we were separated. Just. like. that. I looked all around—the sea in front of me and a sea of people everywhere else.

FEAR. It gripped me without mercy. “Where are they? Where do we look? Are they in the ocean … did someone snatch them?” Questions rapidly tumbled in my mind as panic ascended and darkness descended.

Yet it was in the waning light that our eldest son reminded us of the glow stick carried by one of our missing sons. Praise the Lord – that is how we found them, and I have never known such relief! God cared for our family and reunited us in a way I’ll never forget.

Fear can be absolutely overwhelming. Paralyzing. Sometimes we awaken with it in the black of night, while other times it smacks us in the face out of the blue. Or it haunts us in the recesses of our mind and lingers for long periods … sometimes years.

Isn’t it incredibly comforting to know that because of God, we don’t have to be afraid?

He is our refuge … the One who shelters and protects us.

He is our strength … the One who stands by us and enables us to take another step forward.

He is a very present help … the One who stays with us and freely gives the assistance we need.

God is in control. He reigns. He knows what we face and He uses every experience to make us more like His Son, Jesus Christ.

When the darkness of fear threatens to overtake us, the light of Christ and His love for us shines all the brighter. He will show us the way … He IS the way. Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.

Emily