• we are driving along and suddenly, out of nowhere, an out of control tractor-trailer is speeding toward us, and we are trapped in our lane - unable to get out of the way of impending danger. That’s real fear. 
• we are at the doctor for a routine check-up when confronted with the news that our test results have come back expressing a need for further investigation. The grim look on the doctor’s face provides no comfort. That’s real fear. 
• we work at a job for a number of years, only to find out that the job is being eliminated. we have no savings. No one to turn to. No local support, but plenty of bills and loans to pay. That’s real fear.

• Abraham was afraid, but God told him something valuable in Genesis 15. Check that out. 
• Hagar was afraid for her son, but God addressed her in Genesis 21
• The Disciples were afraid during the storm at sea, but Jesus stepped in to calm them, as it is told in the gospels. 
• John 14:27 addresses the peace that is available to us if we lay fear down and pick up peace. 

Jesus will protect you. That’s what I told her. And that’s what I meant. At times, our minds can go a little crazy imagining the what-if scenarios of life. And, before we know it, something small has escalated into something way bigger than it need be. That’s why I thank God for the calming agents of the Scriptures. To borrow from a famous story, the enemy can huff and puff, but for those who are rooted and grounded in their faith, he’ll never be able to “blow their house down.”

Fear can be paralyzing. We often times fear the very things we have no control over. So, why waste the time? I try to remind myself of that when circumstances come that are beyond my limited resources. I remind myself that although I’m not in control, the Sovereign Lord of the Universe has never lost control. All things are in His hands. And His hands are big enough and strong enough to subdue whatever frightens His children.

Jesus will protect you. There is no need for fear.

So, whether it is the case that you are going through a frightening situation or just one where you are feeling a little vulnerable, know that as His child, the Lord will protect you.

Check out Psalm 71.

My uncle Joe was a great musician. His instrument of choice – the organ. He knew how to really make that organ sing! Lately, I’ve been thinking of him. He died so long ago – I don’t know why this is on my mind now. He sang and played with gospel choirs and musicians all over the region where he lived. On one occasion, he wrote and composed a song especially for my mother’s wedding. The song was entitled I belong to your heart. I cannot remember the exact moment the song was played during the wedding – I was too little. In fact, right now, I cannot remember all the lyrics either – bummer… But I do remember the melody.

It was a beautiful song. When he sang it, he gave it his all. He was committed to it. He used his God-given gift to bless those that would listen.

I think today that we should be a little more like Uncle Joe. By that I mean that we should be committed to the gift(s) that we have. God has given each of us a gift. If you don’t know what your gift is, you can easily find out by taking a Spiritual Gifts Inventory, available through your local church or online. (Just google Spiritual Gifts Inventory). There are plenty of free ones to take too – so don’t spend money when you don’t have to. But, my point is this, knowing that you are gifted in some way means that you should use that God-given gift to glorify the One that gave it to you.

Some of us are gifted but refuse to enact the gift based on fear. God says “fear not, for I am with you” Isaiah 41:10

Some of us are gifted but refuse to act on it because we don’t have the time. Well, all time belongs to God – when you step out in faith to begin using your gifts for His glory, you will be amazed at how your time multiplies.

Some of us are gifted but refuse to press forward in it because we’ve failed in the past. No one is perfect. Mistakes are common to all. So, enable within yourself a little something call perseverance. You can do all things through Christ Who strengthens you. Philippians 4:13

Find you gift (if you haven’t) and then use your gift to the glory of God. You’ll never know how many lives you’ll impact while you’re living and even after you’re gone.

If you love someone, you should tell them.

I have oft times been afraid to let people inside. I have been the victim of senseless hurt. And, as a result, instead of clinging to my Jesus, I clung to my wounds - fearful of letting anyone else inside, just in case they might hurt me too.

But, then one day, it really, really happened. I fell deeply in love - quick too. But, the problem was that I couldn't communicate it. I hid my love behind a wall, only letting small portions out at a time.

Okay, let me rephrase - only letting itsy, bitsy, portions out at a time. The end result was when I was ready to let my burning love flow like a river - the relationship was over. Go figure. That was years ago and I can still remember my shock - and the ocean of tears that followed. So, what have I done since then?

Well, honestly, I built another wall - only this one was stronger, more sturdy, made of the finest "keep-folks-out" fear-harboring material I could find with a "built to last for eternity" guarantee. This was the wrong move.

Okay, let me rephrase - DON'T DO THAT! It's the wrong thing to do.

I'm not saying pour your heart out without regard for the consequences. Afterall, the Bible says to guard our heart with all diligence. I am saying that when you venture out to love someone, let them know. There's nothing sweeter than an "I love you" from someone that you care about.

Don't let fear govern your life. Let God rule it. Build your relationship with God and He will certainly make sure that your heart is protected. No need for a strong wall, as specified above. I'm tearing mine down - and as I do, I'm sifting through all of the time and energy wasted in the false hope of protection.

I don't want you to have to sift through the rubble. So, if there is someone that you love today, stop reading this blog and go tell them.