A Culture of Fear (#2)

Last week, Pastor Josh wrote about our society that has been overrun by fear.  Take some time to read that.  It was good.  Very good.

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

Fear/worry consumes.
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.

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

These 2 destroyers need to be recognized and then strategically, fiercely and thoroughly untangled from our lives.

Fear. Where does fear come from? Fear comes from misplaced self oriented earthly desire and concern. Dousing the fire of 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, emotional, and don't miss this, even physical 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 Believers Creed... "We will not fear though the earth gives way. Be not dismayed. 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". (Taken from... Psalm 46, Isaiah 41:10, 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.
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Rob Thompson

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