Do Not Fear
31 Aug 2009 8 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Catherine Barron, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, daily meditations, hopekeepers, invisible illness, rest ministries
“But even if you suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” I Peter 3: 14-15
Boy did I need this today. What was most noticeable about this verse is what it doesn’t say. It does not say set apart “fear” as Lord, nor does it say set apart “anxiety” as Lord. It is very clear to say set apart Christ as Lord.
I hate to even admit this but I worry a lot. Honestly you would think I did not know God at all. Yet all I have to do is look back over my life to know there is not one circumstance that God hasn’t used for my good so why do I entertain these thoughts?
Do not fear what they fear is really a command. They I am sure are those who do not know our Lord and Savior. And what do “they” fear? Is it the unknown? Is that what I fear too? What is going to happen and will I be able to cope with it? Psalm 139:16 says “All the days for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
But unfortunately my one track mind though goes to worry like the truck tire that constantly finds that one deep rut in the back county dirt road. But seriously what could possible happen to me that God has not already seen and made a plan for? Nothing! I think God is not just telling me to avoid this track but to travel a whole new road. I can ask Him to make this verse real in my heart and then by faith believe that He is. This added with the wonderful assurance that God is for me not against me; I could possibly retire the panic button permanently. That truly is the blessing and the hope we have in Him.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Catherine Barron lives in Sheridan, MT and is semi retired. She enjoys writing and her new found hobby photography although the word of God will always to be her first love. She considers her illness a formidable teacher.
Aug 31, 2009 @ 23:10:19
Dear Catherine – I can so relate to your message today as worry seems to be ever lurking around or near me – ready to pounce even though I know I am exhorted “not to worry”.
For me the words in your devotional that really hit new place for me are these: “set apart Christ as Lord”.
As you experience and as I experience – too often worry takes that drivers wheel and we can stay stuck in those ruts.
Thanks for this encouragement that we are to keep our focus on Him!
Bless you!
Lynn
Sep 01, 2009 @ 02:56:36
Catherine,
Thank you for your devotion! I too, am a person who worries. Worrying is such a burden and keeps us from focusing on the Joy of the Lord.
I get myself into ‘the worry ruts’. I can’t get out by myself but must turn in faith to the One who removes our worries.
I wanted you to know your devotion touched my heart and soul.
Sincerely,
Julie
**What a Friend We Have In Jesus**
Sep 01, 2009 @ 03:08:12
Thanks Julie, God Bless You!
Catherine
Sep 01, 2009 @ 03:06:45
Thank you for your response Lynn. I have prayed about this sooo much and I am finally making some headway. Whenever those thoughts come, I don’t invite them in and give them coffee..ha…I instead confirm His word which is the truth to replace the lie of the enemy. Each time is a victory. But each NEW circumstance requires that I must again repeat the process. I know one day it will become my way of life. PTL
Catherine
Sep 01, 2009 @ 18:56:53
Hello Catherine,
Thanks so much for your words today! I don’t worry as much as I used to, but I still seem to find that rutted road occasionally.
I’m very familiar with the last part of verse 15, but I’m ashamed to admit I didn’t know the first part. I think my problem lies in the fact that I don’t often set Christ apart as LORD – and that probably is my biggest problem. Thank you for sharing these verses, and your devotional wake-up call – I have some work to do!
Sep 01, 2009 @ 21:12:29
Thank you, I too have work to do.
Sep 01, 2009 @ 21:25:42
Catherine – God’s timing is so amazing. The topic of a recent chat I lead was on fear and someone brought up your verse and pointed us to your devotional! It was so helpful to read your words. Fear is such a common enemy for us and it led to a lively discussion and forged a bond of commonality between group members with people sharing a topic that is not often talked about as fear can be an off-limits topic for Christians as we know we shouldn’t be afraid – but truth be told, we all have our moments! Very much appreciated!
Sep 03, 2009 @ 03:33:41
Thanks Deni,
Don’t you love that the word of God is “alive” and deals with real life issues?
Fear is a common enemy and you bet we all have moments. I am so pleased you were able to use this devotional. That blesses me immensely! And you are right His timing is impectable.