I'm at a piano recital for several of my kiddos. Oh, how I remember those days. So nervous...so terrified. But, how important they were. Yes, you're vulnerable...everybody's watching...but if I'd only realized that a) everybody's rooting for you and b) it's good to have the opportunity to feel those nerves and learn how to deal with them...because they certainly don't go away as you grow older.
Recently, I've been thinking about fear. Yes, not the most positive thing to feast your mind upon. But fear is incredibly real. I was listening to a preacher and she said that fear is the predominant tool Satan uses to deter and distract us from our relationship with God.
No wonder God's tells us over and over "Fear not..."
I think it's Ann Voskamp that says that fear is belief gone wrong...belief that God isn't good enough...that He's somehow not in control.
As I type that out, it's ludicrous. Fear simply should not be part of my thinking.
Thoughts...how do I stop harboring fearful thoughts? With the truth of God's Word.
God's perfect love casts out all fear. (1John 4:18)
Do I fully understand God's love for me? His never stopping, never giving up, always and forever love for me? A love that seeks my highest good? A love that may allow pain, knowing it's the only way I will ever resemble Jesus? A love that allows me to love others in ways I never thought I could? His love never changes but is always changing me.
Why then, should I fear?
My response can only be to rest, to remain in His promises. And to face each day hopeful, "hope-filled" knowing He is always working all things for my good.
He certainly has brought peace on earth.
