Todays devotion is written by Mike Loveridge.
I think one of the most debilitating emotions in life is fear. It is an emotion that can be seen by others as totally irrational, such as the fear of spiders or heights by those not fearful of them, but for the person experiencing fear it can have an utterly paralysing effect. With the current pressures of life, fear almost seems to be a normal experience for most of us. But what does the Bible say about fear?
Let’s start with these verses from Psalm 46:1–3:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the
mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar
and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”
These verses remind us that in God we find a refuge and strength which means we need not fear. God is an unchanging rock that can never be moved, so no matter our circumstances we need not live in fear. God does not want us to live in fear but in the freedom of knowing he is always with us. I recently read these words from the 14th Century Persian poet, Hafiz:
Fear is the cheapest room in the house
I would like to see you living
In better conditions.
These are striking words that tell us that living in fear is causing us to live only part of the life God wants us to live. Really Hafiz is echoing what God says to us through Paul in Romans 8:14:
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave
again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship.”
In essence, God did not make us to live in fear. His best for us is to live in far better conditions, confident of our loving Father’s care and power.
Many of us will know and have experienced the power of fear and how utterly controlling it is. Fear makes us work hard but not for the right reasons. From a distance, frightened people look motivated, conscientious and diligent. But God would like to see us working from better a motivation which is a love for him.
I am sure that if many of us were honest with ourselves we would admit that we let our lives be controlled by fear. Fear of failure, fear of poverty, fear of criticism, fear of embarrassment, fear of conflict. There are so many different fears. But God would like to see us living in better conditions.
So, if fear is this strong how do we as Christians fight it? The answer is simple really – we pray! It may not be a quick fix but prayer is where we need to turn. Philippians 4:6 & 7 show us this:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your
hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Perhaps this week through prayer and asking for God’s help it will finally be the time for you to make the move into some more suitable accommodation?
Song for today:
Todays song is a modern one ‘No longer slaves’ you can listen to it here.
You unravel me
With a melody
You surround me with a song
Of deliverance
From my enemies
'Til all my fears are gone
I'm no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God
I'm no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God
From my mother's womb
You have chosen me
Love has called my name
I've been born again
Into a family
Your blood flows through my veins
I am surrounded
By the arms of the Father
I am surrounded
By songs of deliverance
We've been liberated
From our bondage
We're the sons and the daughters
Let us sing our freedom
You split the sea
So I could walk right through it
My fears were drowned in perfect love
You rescued me
And I will stand and sing
I am a child of God
Prayer for today:
Loving and gracious heavenly Father,
Thank you that through the death and resurrection of Jesus you have won the victory and bought our freedom. Thank you that we no longer need to live as slaves to fear but can instead live in the freedom of being a child of God.
We pray today for those who are trapped by fear in their lives. We ask that through the power of your Spirit in their lives you will free them from fear and strengthen them to live in the light of your glorious freedom.
In all things we do may we look to you and trust in you alone.
We pray all this in Jesus’ name,
Amen
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
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