F.E.A.R.

FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real...
- Dave Ramsey 

I've had a lot of time to think about this lately. What do we fear most? For me, it would be the loss of a child/family member, a failed marriage, basically anything beyond my control. What did I just say? Control? In our house, we're always reminding each other with the question, "Who's in control?" the answer is, "God is." Certainly not us, and it seems the more we try to take the reigns, the less control we have. 

As our two oldest kids are both taking missions trips this year, one out of the country, I am reminded of this every day. Should we let them go? Should our fear get in the way? Are we trying to have the ultimate control over where God will lead them? A cousin emailed me saying this, "they are in God's hands, and He will protect them there the same way he protects her here, according to His will. There is no place safe, but there is also no place they can go where God is not there." The word "His Will" there really struck me. Wherever they are, God is there also, and His Will - will be done.

When I think about fear, it's easy for my mind to keep wondering, getting further and further from the real truth. Sometimes, you think about it so much, it becomes real in your own mind. Beth Moore in her Breaking Free study, had this to say.

TRUTH: John 8:31-36 - Christ sets the captive free through truth.

LIES: John 8:44 - Satan sets the free captive through lies.

My environment + My experiences = My truth

"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" Psalms 145:18

My truth + Nothing (0) = Incomplete (sometimes we don't even know our own truth. It's all perception)

My truth + Satan's lies = Captivity

God's Truth > (is greater than) My "truth"

 My truth + God's truth (infinitely wonderful and perfect) = FREEDOM! 

Psalms 40:11 - May your love and truth always protect me.

 Isaiah 43:2-3 - When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.