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| © Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved. |
A surfer looks at a scene like this and thinks, "Surfs up dude," and grabs his surfboard. I look at it, see the dark sky and think, "Could be a rip tide. This is a dangerous situation." I'd imagine the undercurrents pulling me out to sea. I grew up in Huntington Beach, California. I could body surf but could NOT stay on top of a surfboard : ) Still have to remind myself the sun rises in New Jersey, and sets in California... It's supposed to be dark.
Fear is good when it's based on rational thoughts that keeps us out of danger. It can also be bondage when it comes from the imagination. We're getting ready for a vacation next month. There's one family member we'll be visiting that says things that make me feel knee high to a grasshopper. Every time I think about it, my hands start sweating and I get this muscle spasm in my back. I prayed and asked God for wisdom and counsel.
What came to mind was a quote, "There is nothing to fear, but fear itself." Theodore Roosevelt
Err... I usually get Bible verses when I ask for wisdom, guess the Lord likes this quote too : )
I repeated it over and over and realized I was being silly. She won't eat me, or cause permanent damage. She's just not good with words. I need to keep this in perspective.
The context of this verse is where Peter was warning against being taken by false teachers. I've always loved it because it's true of so many things. If I am overcome by: fear, addiction, doubt, belittling myself, lies about God, or other people's opinions of me, then I am in bondage. That's not what Jesus intended for us.
I found some more favorite verses that always help me.
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.Looking up instead of just inside, is always good.
Proverbs 29:25
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:36
Feel free to comment if something comes to mind : )
Challenge sponsored by Katie Lloyd Photography.
Bless you as you bless others.
ReplyDeleteThat's so amazing- thank you : ) And may God bless you abundantly!
ReplyDeleteAnd indeed we are FREE! Great post :)
ReplyDeleteYes! We are free. It's the remembering part that can get hard : ) God bless!
DeleteAmen! Thank God that I'm safe in His arms! He'll never leave and forsake me (Hebrews 13:5)! :D
ReplyDeleteAmen Joy! We are safe in His arms. Thanks and God bless!
DeleteThat's a good quote. I also like what you said about looking up instead of inside. We are made by God, but some people tend to bend us out of shape sometimes...I think they too are afraid in some way. I am learniing to overcome what some people in the past had told me about myself that simply isn't the truth...learning to listen to what God says about who I am instead...His beloved daughter.
ReplyDeleteGood post.
~God Bless~
It's a challenge for sure. We live in a noisy world. Lots of voices tell us we're not all that. But, God sees us entirely different. I'm so glad He knows the truth and sets us free. God bless!
DeleteKaren I had to smile at yor words from God but also want to let you now I truly can identify with what you're saying too. Isn't it strange how sometimes these people who say such cutting things or make us feel "kneehigh to a grasshopper" (I like that!:) can actually cause us physical pain and anxiety? I've been through this too, go through it still and am praying there is an answer to dealing with it. I hope you have a wonderful vacation and that this person is kind to you!
ReplyDeleteHi Colleen thanks for the encouragement. It is hard although we try and be all grown up and not let our feelings get hurt they do... Guess it's part of being human. I pray too, and it does help : ) God wants peace for us yet it can be so hard to find at times. Sometimes I think of what Jesus went through in this world and realize my stuff is pretty small. God bless!
DeleteWhat a beautiful picture and a great post. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteThanks JT! God bless you : )
ReplyDelete