Scripture
(Proverbs 22:13) The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside, I shall be killed in the streets.”
Observation
This is a humerous view of fear's paralyzing influence. We avoid actions because so many things "could" go wrong! We call it caution. God dismisses it as laziness. Then He encourages us directly (verses 17-21): "Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. That your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today, even to you. Have I not written for you excellent things of counsel and knowledge, to make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?"
Application
Dare I be a confident person? Dare I trust that His words have specific meaning to me? Dare I believe that God's Spirit can "fit" His words to my lips? Yes, I believe God is that good, that able, that willing.
Prayer
Lord, You have encouraged me to keep moving forward boldly and with faith. My confidence doesn't rest on me, but on Your love and Your ability to redirect my steps according to Your designs. So, what do You have planned for today? I can hardly wait....I'm diving in.
Showing posts with label fear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fear. Show all posts
Friday, July 22, 2011
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Bold Enough to Have Joy
S
(Leviticus 26:14,15,36) “But if you will not listen to Me and will not do all of these commandments, if you spurn My statutes and if your soul abhors My rules...I will send faintness into [your] hearts...the sound of a driven leaf will put [you] to flight, and [you] shall flee...and fall when none pursues...”
O
God’s commandments are assignments from an apt authority, and His statutes are helpful etchings my emperor makes in my heart. His judgments are warrants from the treasuries of His wisdom. Our covenant, like the treaties in ancient times that formed alliances of pledged friendship between monarchs, so, too, I’m honored by the covenant Jesus made with me. It keeps us from being intimidated by Satan’s threats.
A
Like David in Psalm 119, I eagerly cultivate a loving respect for all God wants for me. It’s not a sacrificial degradation of my private desires, but an exhilarating exploration of joy.
P
Lord, I am so embarrassed to fall victim to fear as often as I do. How silly I’ve been to not boldly trust You. Yet, it’s by frightening, tiring circumstances that I discover the gift of courage that You’ve planted deep in my soul. Thank You. I worship You by getting courage out, exercising it, and playing with it. I love you, Dad! Your adopted son, ______
(Leviticus 26:14,15,36) “But if you will not listen to Me and will not do all of these commandments, if you spurn My statutes and if your soul abhors My rules...I will send faintness into [your] hearts...the sound of a driven leaf will put [you] to flight, and [you] shall flee...and fall when none pursues...”
O
God’s commandments are assignments from an apt authority, and His statutes are helpful etchings my emperor makes in my heart. His judgments are warrants from the treasuries of His wisdom. Our covenant, like the treaties in ancient times that formed alliances of pledged friendship between monarchs, so, too, I’m honored by the covenant Jesus made with me. It keeps us from being intimidated by Satan’s threats.
A
Like David in Psalm 119, I eagerly cultivate a loving respect for all God wants for me. It’s not a sacrificial degradation of my private desires, but an exhilarating exploration of joy.
P
Lord, I am so embarrassed to fall victim to fear as often as I do. How silly I’ve been to not boldly trust You. Yet, it’s by frightening, tiring circumstances that I discover the gift of courage that You’ve planted deep in my soul. Thank You. I worship You by getting courage out, exercising it, and playing with it. I love you, Dad! Your adopted son, ______
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