So I love to read. I read an amazing book called "Just between You and Me" by Jenny B. Jones. It's a novel of letting go of fear and reaching out to God and trusting Him. It was really good, so good I cried at the end! There were a few quotes in that book that I really like. One in particular is this:
"Because you will never, ever have the life God's planned for you as long as you're holding onto that fear."
Fear can be sneaky. Fear can mess up your head when you're trying to do the right thing or seek Christ. I'm struggling with that right now with my job. I work in all hearing environment and for as long as I can remember I've never let my hearing loss get in the way of things. I feel it's a special trait to have a hearing loss. It's how you look at it. I can tell you how many times I've stumbled and fall but I get back up again with Christ's strength. Everyone goes through this. It's how you look at it. Looking back to the past few days though right now I'm so exhausted I can't even tell you the details but I can tell you everytime I felt anxious and wanted to quit, something positive happens. Take my job for instance. I don't feel motivated to get up and go to work but I do it anyway. I try to put a smile on my face and go in with such confidence that I know Jesus wants me to do. I'll tell you it pays off. They say "actions speak louder than words" and that is true. the other day when I really really wanted to quit. one of the nurses came up to me and said "I just want you to know how much I appreciate everything you do here." I'm like "really?" she said "yes you have this smile on you all the time and look so peaceful." I'm like "really? inside I feel like crying out and want to quit!" As I type this I realize it's the power of the enemy trying to take me down. It's the fear.
I'm reminded in Psalms 91:4-6: from the Message:
You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
Say this: "God, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!" That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you're perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day,Not disease that prowls through the darkness,not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around,drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you.You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses.Yes, because God's your refuge, the High God your very own home,Evil can't get close to you,harm can't get through the door.He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they'll catch you;their job is to keep you from falling. You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path."
My Lord, my Redeemer, is always with me and as long as I keep my eyes on HIM the One who can provide strength, courage, peace and will see me through...
I also have to share this because this is so true and His word never fails. For anyone who is going through the motions reading this will give such peace.
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Matthew 11:28-30
all that fear just goes out the window after reading these not once but a few times and get it stuck on your heart...
the book of Psalms 91 captures my heart and I try to remember to read this every-time I feel afraid or anxious. it starts with this: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1" I choose peace. What do you choose?
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