If I were to pick one characteristic that was prevalent during COVID, or one that it highlighted, and one that still rears its ugly head, it is FEAR. Fear of infection. Fear of transmission. Fear of death. Fear of living life. Fear of (you fill in the blank).
This morning during my Encounter Time reading, it seems like God wanted to or had something to say about fear. First, read Psalm 118:6-9,14. “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” (v.6 NLT) I encourage you to read the other verses.
Second, Joshua 6: 1-7. It was totally illogical and frankly, military suicide, to do what God told the Israelites to do. In fact, it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. The details are in the passage. Jericho was sealed up tighter than a drum and they (the Israelites) were told to march? Are you kidding me? What is the sense in that?
God was teaching them to stop seeing things from their perspective and their vantage point; He had a better idea. I’m reminded of Paul’s words in 2 Cor. 12:9- “My grace is all you need. My power words best in weakness.” (NLT)
When I can’t, God can.
When I’m unable, God is.
When I’m lost, God is my direction.
When I can’t see, God is my light.
It’s a promise. One I can count on and cling to. I am never alone. I am never wandering aimlessly in the desert. “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” (Ps.118: 8-9 NLT)
“Father, You are my refuge and my strength; my wisdom and life-giver. I have nothing to fear when I see things from Your perspective. Please help me to see things from Your point of view.”
This hits home. I used to fear a lot of things.. like going down Der Stuka at Wet N Wild… Or In-Line Roller Skating. Maybe even getting some old rotten teeth pulled. But there is definitely nothing to fear when you trust in the Lord!
Very true Ed. There is nothing to fear.
Fear is definitely a mind-trick of the enemy. Fear can immobilize, paralyze, and freeze up even the strongest.
Fear is 99.9% of conjuring the “what if” scenarios in life that likely will never be.
Even for the .1% that do actually come about, fear tends to portray the situation worse than it is.
For those who have their faith in Christ… even death is nothing to fear. It is just a transition.
I most definitely agree Ryan. Even with the .1% as you said. That, too, is a mind trick of the enemy.
May God help us all to see through His perspective, not our own limited sight.
Blessings, Bill!
That is an important prayer Martha. Seeing through His perspective.