It’s a sunny morning. My desk sits in front of the window facing east here in the office. I have the curtains half-way pulled to block the sun from shining directly in my eyes. I will not complain, though, for I know there are days ahead where a layer of thick clouds will block out the sun.
And how often that can apply to life around us!
On days like today, the sun is bright, and we can see clearly. I don’t know bout you, but there are those times if I go for days not seeing the sun, I begin to get depressed. I learn to change my perspective and try to focus on the positive around me, then even though I may not see the source of that bright light overhead.
No matter what will happen, the sun will never stop shinning. However, there will be many times that storms will invade our lives and the clouds will try to block out the sun’s warm glow!
I grow concerned for our country, yes, even our world right now!
Just yesterday, the governor of our state decided to implement yet more lockdowns, mandates and such. This causes me great concern especially for the mental health of children and adults for we were not created to stay cooped up! Nor were we created to live with such fear!
I try not to bash anyone, for that does no good. And yes, a thousand times yes, I do pray for our leaders as we’re told in God’s word. And when my mind gets all jumbly with the ‘what-if’s’ and the fear, I must take control of that thought pattern and choose on purpose to put my trust in God. It’s simply not always easy!
Fear is a very real and present danger!
In my 60 years, I have never seen fear so rampant! Nor the ease of which this fear seems to infect those around me! One can not turn the news on without being bombarded with some form of fear-mongering! Anxiety will negatively affect the body as well as twisting one’s emotions totally outta sync. I believe that the evil one uses his fear as a massive tool to cause folks to wanta cower down and hide!
The Word of God says in 2 Timothy 1:7 –
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind!
For me, I’ve had to practice taking down those thoughts of fear! In fear’s place, I put peace and hope. I’ve had to learn to take my thoughts can see how well they line up with Philippians 4:8.
In Philippians 4:8 we read, ‘Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.’
We do have a choice! We do not have to live our lives in fear, cowered like some beaten animal or person in the corner curled up in the fetal position! That is NOT who we were created to be!
No! If Jesus Christ lives in you, then you have His same anointing!
You have the power over the enemy!
You need to start practicing that more and more each day!
So, here’s what I encourage you to do!
When you begin to realize you’re feeling afraid!
Three steps to help overcome fearful thoughts.
- Check your thoughts.
>If you need to, then write down at least three thoughts you are having.
2. Compare those thoughts with Philippians 4:8
>Are those thoughts noble, pure, praiseworthy, etc? If not, then get rid of them!
3. Change your activity.
>During this craziness of 2020, I’ve realized when I get to thinking negative, fearful thoughts, I need to change my trajectory.
Get up!
Do some jumping jacks!
Go for a walk!
Brush your teeth!
Clean the fridge out!
Make your bed!
Write a thank you card!
Balance your checkbook!
Sweep the floor!
Play with the kids!
Sing!
Dance!
Praise the Lord loudly!
Anything to redirect your mind onto something positive!
You can overcome fear with His truth!
You are not alone either! That’s another huge lie the devil wants us to believe! Many near you are struggling as well. Reach out, if possible, to others and offer encouragement.
I’m here to listen to your story! You can reach out to me at: pamelajwoodall@yahoo.com
I am praying for you this day!
Massive blessings!
Pamela Richards-Woodall 