We
all desire to act in bold, brave, spirit-led, powerful ways, but this is rarely
the case. Our humanity holds us back, and prevents us from walking in the
Spirit of God each moment of our day.
Maybe
life bombarded us with negative aspects for so long now that we are weary and
depressed (Matthew 11:25-30). This is God's way of causing us to run into the
shelter under His wings.
God longs for our fellowship (1 John 1:3, 3:24; John 14:23), and He rejoices over
us with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17 - I cannot wait to hear God sing!).
We
get weary when we attempt to serve God from our inner human resources, rather
than by the direction of His Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is better to obey Him, than to sacrifice our time and energy (1 Samuel 15:22-24).
God
calls us to believe by faith that He will work out everything for our advantage
(Romans 8:28). However, it is okay to waver in our belief, and to ask His help to overcome our unbelief (Mark 9:23-25).
This
life is scary at best; and, so often, downright disheartening, due to the
consequences of sin in us and all around us. God gave us the emotion of fear,
so that we can protect our self from impending doom.
There
is no shame in fear; yet, in so many scripture verses, God reminds us that we
have no need to fear, because He is our Heavenly Father (Isaiah 41:10; Romans
8:31; Exodus 13:14; Exodus 20:20; etc.).
God
increases our strength and fortifies us to reign victoriously through every
trial (Isaiah 40:29). Regardless of our circumstances, God is right there with
us and in us (Isaiah 43:2; John 14:23).
If
God is in our corner, nothing and no one can overcome us (Romans 8:31). He reassures
us of His presence, as well as our victory regardless of the outcome of our situation.
If
we let Him, God's perfect love will cast out every ounce of fear in our soul
(John 4:18). He gives us both His peace and His Holy Spirit as our Comforter
and Guide.
Prayer:
Father
God, we promise to trust in and to rely only on You (John 14:26-28). Remind us
that living responsibly for Your calling on our life will promote feelings of
safety and security in our finances, business opportunities, home life,
lifestyle, relationships, community, etc.
You
gave us Jesus as our peace, and He has broken down every wall that would
otherwise hinder us from entering into Your rest, and walking in Your Spirit
each moment of our day (Ephesians 2:14). Fill us with the assurance that You
have everything under Your control, and that we have no need to fear life's
circumstances.
Thought
We
can embrace tribulation and consider it a joyful opportunity to stand still and
see the salvation of God on our behalf.
-
James 1:2-4; 2 Chronicles 20:17
