Fear or Praise? Part 1

Fear -- I don't know about you, but I don't even like to say the word, because of the strong memories it evokes.  Yet, today, I want to share with you that fear does not have to be a dirty word:  there are ways to overcome fear.  And I am going to mention a few that have helped me overcome mine.  A positive thing about experiencing fear is that it gives us the wonderful blessing of giving the things that cause our hearts to be afraid to God and knowing His peace.  This is a short series, so I will not be finishing in one devotion.

The first one I want to mention is Psalm 23, because it has been a blessing to me ever since I memorized it in Vacation Bible School as a young girl.  I can picture ...

Calming My Heart

Today started quietly.  My heart and mind were calm:  all felt well with my soul.  Then, things began to happen:  I couldn't find a notebook that was important to me, so stopped and I did slow breathing exercises.  I decided to practice piano and get my mind off that illusive notebook, which I knew would turn up when I wasn't looking for it.  I did some housework, feeling pleased with the results;  moreover, I drank a healthy smoothie and the notebook did turn up.  Sounds great doesn't it?  

No Worry Here

However, as I sat down to rest and catch my second wind, I began to disintegrate into a frustrated, frazzled mess.  I felt impatient with myself and what I was doing on the computer.  Puzzled at my disintegration into chaos, I felt like throwing my hands up in the air and I grunted my frustration with a loud, "Arghhh."   Then, God's Holy Spirit spoke within me, "Read your Bible."  So this time, I listened, and I obeyed.  Peace, peace -- I knew I needed peace within, and I received it.  How?  I read God's word and rested in Him:  His precious word is so very true:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB." 
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