Fear and Worry...

Confession:  I've struggled with fear and worry my whole life.  I am an expert (tongue in cheek) and can certify that...

Fear/worry steals.
Fear/worry blinds.
Fear/worry kills.
Fear/worry distracts.
Fear/worry deceives.
Fear/worry devours.
Fear/worry binds.
Fear/worry exploits.
Fear/worry ignores truth.
Fear/worry prevents.
Fear/worry consumes.

These 2 destroyers are in cooperation.  Fear fuels worry.  Without fear, worry is dead.

Fear. Where does fear come from? Fear comes from misplaced self oriented earthly desire and concern.  Dousing the fire that fear desires is only possible when we recognize fear and choose to center our will upon God's eternal purposes.  Ignoring and allowing fear to take up residence is not without consequence.  Surrendering to a God who wholly knows us and completely loves us and wants what is best for us frees us from the power of fear.

Worry. Worry is trouble-centered frenetic mental and emotional calisthenics fueled by fear.  Rather, trust is God-centered quiet resolve, anchored and fueled by the knowledge and surrender to God's character and will.

The Truth... "We will not fear though the earth gives way. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Be still and know that I am God. Seek first the Kingdom of God. Fear not. Stand Firm. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent".  (Psalm 46, Psalm 23, Exodus 14, Matthew 6)

Resolution. Today, I choose to not fear and to not worry.  I choose to stand firm in quiet resolution.  I choose to think eternally.  I choose to focus on what God is doing, not on what my flesh thinks he should be doing.  No matter what lies ahead, I will trust and follow.  I am willing to go anywhere, do anything, be anyone in and for Christ because He is greater, higher, bigger and stronger than anything I fear.

Rob