The Struggle
Over the past few months, I have watched as friends have gone through some devastating life events. Although they weren’t necessarily my pain, I feel such a burden for each of my dear friends who have been suffering a loss. Some of these have me facing a battle I have faced many, many times. Part of me wants to hide away somewhere and just deal with it privately, but that part of me is losing today. There is a freedom that happens when we expose the raw feelings instead of hiding them away in shame. Satan loses his power over us when we step into the light by exposing the struggle.
What is it? What is the struggle?
The struggle for me is FEAR.
Fear that I’m not enough. And as many times as I have laid down that fear, I keep picking it back up. In my mind I can see the image of a suitcase. Inside it are some very heavy objects that no one should be carrying around. I know I shouldn’t pick it up but I reach for it instinctively, as if I’m protecting myself from something. Trying to gain control over a world that seems out of control. Fear is one of those things that is just too heavy to carry around every day.
Definition of fear (Merriam-Webster)
1a: an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger
b(1): an instance of this emotion
(2): a state marked by this emotion
2: anxious concern : SOLICITUDE
3: profound reverence and awe especially toward God
4: reason for alarm : DANGER
The Bible
It’s time to dig deep into God’s Word again friends!
What does God’s Word say about “Fear”?
- Psalm 23:4 (ESV)Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
- Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
- Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
- Psalm 34:4 (ESV) I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Again and again, God says He is with us. He goes with us. He will not forsake us. Our health may leave us, our friends may leave us, our family may leave us, but God NEVER will. And these scriptures show something so significant too! He is not ASKING us to not fear. He is COMMANDING us to not fear.
Fear is one of those emotions that grips you. It holds on. Usually it keeps you from moving forward, or even making any move at all. That is not the kind of life God wants for us friends. So even if the world seems out of control, even if you have to walk through some devastating things in life, He is with you.
Time to Lay it ALL Down
Of course I heard a song today that really moved me. The video link is below, but I wanted to share the lyrics to “Crowns” by Sons The Band:
No greater love, I’ve ever known
This humble gift from heaven’s throne
I’m overcome By the favor You have shown
The price You paid for a sinner’s toll
The blood You gave, for the world to know
I’m overcome By the mercy You have shown
Like a faithful friend, You came rushing in
Took my wild heart and set it free
I’ll give every breath, till I come to rest
In the grace of eternity
I lay down my crowns at Your feet
From my first breath You saw my heart
Called my name set me apart
I’m overjoyed
I am free and fully known
Like a faithful friend, You came rushing in
Took my wild heart and set it free
I’ll give every breath, till I come to rest
In the grace of eternity
I lay down my crowns at Your feet
You give my spirit freedom
I give You all my praise
Don’t need another reason
To lay it all down, lay it all down
Right now is my surrender
Here in this holy place
Don’t need another reason
I lay it all down, lay it all down
AGAIN. Here I am again, laying it down. The fear of failing. The fear of not being enough. The fear of my marriage failing, of my family relationships failing, of my children not loving me anymore, of being alone. All the irrational fears that grip me, I lay them all down. I’ll cling to Him instead of fear.
- Psalm 56:3 (ESV) When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
And with my hands lifted, I’ll find my freedom in God alone.
