9-29-23
“The Christian life is not a playground, but a battlefield.”
Every day as we get out of bed, we face new challenges. Good days include little things like spilling milk, whiny children, the car won’t start and so on. But what about the not so good days? The days you question whether God is even with you or not? The days when anxiety gets the best of you. The enemy whispers lies in your ears. “Your kids are going to turn out horrible”. “You are not good enough for your spouse and they are going to leave you.” “You are not qualified to do this job; you will get fired”. “That spot is cancer, and you are going to die”. These are only a few of the fears we can hear whispered in our ears.
We know to put on the full Armor of God, but some days the anxiety is stronger than God’s words in your head. It’s times like these that the very best thing you can do is put on the praise music! Sing to the One who is Worthy!! Then, read your Bible so that He can speak to you through the pages. A friend told me that when she is anxious, that is the time she cannot concentrate on the words of God. She can read the same verse several times and not grasp what it says. Anxiety is strong. Anxiety and fear can paralyze you. I think these are the 2 biggest factors in suicide. Our emotions are strong, they help with many things. The fear of things like falling off a cliff or getting burned actually save us, but what about the fears that the enemy whispers in our ears? So many people fear the future and what their life might be like. I have to say, it’s an unusual time in history to be alive. There are so many things going on that could impact our way of life.
Deut. 3:22 Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.”
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
There are so many more comforting verses on fear and anxiety. Do not forget that Jesus struggled with anxiety in Luke 22:42 where he asks God “if it be thy will, take this cup from me”. Jesus was preparing to go to the cross, he KNEW what pain and suffering were ahead, you KNOW he had fear and anxiety. He was God, but he was fully man as well. He also knew that his father would resurrect him, and because he rose from the grave, so will we who love him.
In Joshua 1:9 God Commands us to be strong and courageous. To not fear.
Dear Lord, when I am anxious, or fearful, fill my heart with your love, your words of comfort and give me strength and grace to battle through the tough days, knowing you are with me every step. Amen
Shirlene Peterson