To Remain Fearful Is A Choice - 12/30/23
Hey Family, I know that some of you all have had a wonderful month of November filled with thankfulness to God, delicious food, and joyous times with family and friends, but there are plenty of you who have struggled with isolation, depression, anxiety, and bitterness and at the root of all of that often is nested fear there. So in light of this, I have to state an unpopular opinion. To remain fearful is a choice. To refuse to use the tools at our disposal to get out of the muck and the mire of those negative states of mind is a choice. Let's choose faith in God, deep friendship, tenaciously focus on every teaching moment rather than the trial, and if medically necessary, have a much-needed doctor's appointment to get help outside of ourselves.
Scripture
Psalms 34:3-20 NIV
"[3] Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. [4] I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. [5] Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. [6] This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. [7] The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. [8] Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. [9] Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. [10] The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. [11] Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. [12] Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, [13] keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. [14] Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. [15] The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; [16] but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. [17] The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. [18] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. [19] The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; [20] he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken."
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, You knew from the beginning and before the beginning of time that fear would have talons that could cut deep and chains that could hold us unwavering. However, not by power or might, but by Your all-consuming grace and Holy Spirit You have banished the darkness, freed us from the grip of fear, and given us the tools to craft a new identity in and through You. Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus! Lord, thank You for being a God who cares so abundantly and intimately for Your children. You are most worthy to be praised. In Jesus Christ's wonderful name, we pray, Amen.
Quote of the Day
"There is something magical and transformational about saying “yes” to God. When you take His hand, step out of that boat (your ordinary, comfortable life), and be brave. Instead of spending your lifetime living in fear and playing it safe, you boldly walk in obedience. God makes you brave."
- Dana Arcuri
Have a blessed day! 🙂
The Possible Place
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