False Fear Fosters Frail Followers of our Forever-Faithful Heavenly Father

[That was fun to say wasn’t it! Feel free to say if again a few times before reading on…]

So I was preparing for a meeting recently and – quite honestly – was a little nervous…OK, afraid (but in a macho way, dude!).  Maybe you’ve been there… maybe not with a meeting; but hey, everyone get’s nervous! Not that I wasn’t or wouldn’t be prepared – I had and was taking the steps to get ready – that was not the issue.

The issue was a fear or nervousness about who I was meeting with – the person and their title is not really relevant, though it was a representative from the US Government (who, BTW are always “here to help”…just kidding, I have many friends in the government!  If you’re reading this and you are with the Government – you ROCK!). Anyway…the key here was the fact that I was getting worked up over this and letting it impact my morning. I don’t want to make light of this, preparation is key for anything and nervousness is good in some forms, but misplaced fear can be stifling.

I am a huge fan of the Our Daily Bread resource and the reading that particular day was based on Hebrews 13:5-16 (which was the scripture passage). The verse I keyed on was verse 5: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” – really a quote from Psalm 118:6.

WHAT AN AWESOME PASSAGE ABOUT AN AWESOME GOD!!!

It brought to mind a song by Brian Doerksen that really ministered to me in a HUGE way a few years ago. I was interviewing for a job (a six month, 15+ session process!) and was constantly nervous and fearful each time I met with, at times, up to 5 people in one fail swoop. I made it a practice of (of course) praying with my wife before each meeting but also listening to this song on my way to the meeting (even humming it in my head during and between appointments) – just to remind and reassure myself of Who my confidence and assurance were based in.

There are many things that we are fearful, nervous, or cautious about – some things are good, prudent, and perfectly correct in that they are for our safety and security (Hey, I’m not crazy!). But how many times have we let: “False Fear Foster Frail Followers of our Forever-Faithful Heavenly Father?”  How many times has Satan stifled our courage for Christ with fear that is truly false?  How many times have we cowered (whether inwardly or even outwardly) with fear unnecessarily?  I by no means have mastered this – probably never will this side of heaven – but thank God that His promises are TRUE!

By the way, a healthy fear of our awesome, powerful, and loving God is certainly a good and right thing…and a good subject for another post!

Be  encouraged and know that:

Correct Courage Cultivates a Capable Cohort for our
Continually-Constant and Risen Christ!

[OK – I’m just having too much fun!]

x

You Shine
Brian Doerksen

Why should I fear man, when You made the heavens?
Why should I be afraid, when You put the stars in place?
Why should I lose heart, when I know how great you are?
Why should I give up, when Your plans are full of love?

In this world we will have trouble,
But You have overcome the world!
You Shine, brighter than the brightest star!
Your Love, purer than the purest heart!
You Shine, filling us with courage and strength
To follow You!

x

PS: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -Jesus (John 16:33)