There is a reason this post is being published so early in the morning. I had a bad dream. One that chases away sleep and creates a pounding heart within my chest. To be completely vulnerable, I was full of fear and anxiety. Because of this, I made a, much earlier than expected, trip to the chair I sit in each day to reflect, pray, and read God's Word.
So, a little past 4AM, while most of you are sleeping, I am awake sharing with you how the Lord, through his powerful Word, has replaced fear and anxiety with peace and security.
Don't get caught up in what causes the fear. There is no peace in those thoughts.
Focus on the Truth. Truth has a name. His name is Jesus. Here is how the Lord comforted me this AM. I trust his Word to do the same for you.
First, I started in John chapters 14 and 15:1-8.
I revisited a scripture from yesterday's blog, Psalms 23.
"Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me." Ps 23:4
Sometimes we "must" walk through difficult days. "Even when" you do, you can trust the Lord is there.
Psalms 26
Specifically verse 2.
Remove yourself for a moment on what you think or what others think about you. Give space to God to tell you about you.
What is God saying about you?
What will you do about it?
Psalms 27 - This is the scripture that removed my fear and replaced it with peace and security.
Specifically 27:1, 27:4, and 27:14.
Father, I pray for those who are too often captivated by fear and anxiety. I ask your Holy Spirit to remind us of your truth. Father, may we, your people, remain in you. May we take the time to dwell, not on the source of our fear but rather on the source of truth. Father, I ask that we would fill our lives with more of your son Jesus, both his words and his methods for living. May Jesus' words and life replace our fear and anxiety. Thank you for your peace. Amen.
Enjoy a peaceful Saturday,
Pastor Matt