Fear is a terrible thing. I know about it. I suspect we all do. Unfortunately it is a vulnerability that seems inherent to the fallen human condition. Our Heavenly Father, very aware of this, has declared nearly 1000 times in scripture to "Fear not!" We know that the scripture tells us that "He has not given us a spirit of fear, but love and a sound mind." "Perfect love casts out fear", yet, even the "strongest" of us find we have fear that has not been remedied by God's prescription.
I've gotta tell you, fear is an issue for me, but God has given me much victory in it...I'm not all the way there yet. But I have tasted of His goodness and know that there are "plains of safety and prosperity" waiting for those who "wait for Him!"
The answers to these things are not easy, but they are found in God. Our adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry and crowds. If he can keep us engaged in "muchness" and "manyness" he will rest satisfied and our "Rest" will continue to be denied. This is hard work. It takes time alone to find God in things like this and our adversary will take it from us if he can, and he usually does unless we get militant about this "secret" of waiting.
For me, the verses that have continued to "dog" me have been Jesus' declaration that "He has called us to peace, and Paul's exhortation that "we should be anxious for nothing." Noone, no group or entity, whatever, has been able to give that to me. Sadly, I've sought for it there too many times and am still tempted to. It has only come from the One who is the King of deliverances. As I "pant" (Psalm 42) for Him...alone (selah), THEN, in His time (and make sure you don't get in a hurry about this, for He is not), He sings over me in the night (sometimes 3:00 A.M.) and the "peace that passes all understanding comes to garrison my soul, making my footing sure, and puts, once again, a new song in my mouth - Psalm 40. (GIVE HIM PRAISE!). He is my Glory and the lifter of my head...and He will share His glory with no other...the glory and miracle of lifting my head...no other can...nor will. "...Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed, finding as He promised, perfect peace and rest."
As I continue to wait and "fix" my eyes on Him, my rest continues. As I begin to be distracted by events, words said, looks and demeanor from others, the local / national news or "messages" sent via a variety of other ways, down I go!
Forgive me if I sound like I'm preaching...I'm not. I'm sharing my testimony. "God and God alone, is fit to take the universe's throne (and certainly the throne of my life). Let everything that lives reserve its truest praise (which ultimately is the volitional release of my life and its issues to His omnipotent and loving care), for GOD and God alone!" Oh that we all may find this true, and immerse ourselves and remain in it....
Shipwrecked on His Omnipotence and Unfailing Love,
Mitch
