One of the great temptations in my life is to live in fear. This could be in any are of my life – the safety of my children, whether or not people will follow my leadership, my communication opportunities, my financial future, my health, etc. I daily sense the fear of “life going wrong” creeping up in my thoughts. The desire of the temptation is to dominate me and my day. This has surely happened at times, and when it does I’m no good. I’m impatient, judgmental, critical, and I live with no energy in life. I’m exhausted when I live like this. I can’t enjoy things and I rarely smile. My life feels heavy.
So, on a moment by moment basis I have to fight the temptation to worry unless I want to be dominated by it. Actually I’m of the impression that fear is the great enemy of faith. I know that my life is totally different when I’m living with faith. Not necessarily faith that everything will work out the way I want (I’ve lived enough life to know this isn’t a realistic hope. Rather, faith that God is enough for me and will sustain me no matter what life throws my way.
I came across this passage again recently and it is a prayer I want to keep on the tip of my tongue. Psalm 139.23 – Search me O God and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me in the path of everlasting life.
This is how I want to live my life and I really believe it’s the abundant life that Jesus came to offer (John 10). Jesus actually commanded us to not be anxious about anything. Worry and anxiety scream out at God, “You can’t take care of me!” But this is so far from the truth. I know God is more than able to sustain me through any set of circumstances. He doesn’t delight in my experiencing pain or discomfort. As a matter of fact, one day He has vowed to remove it all (Rev 21.4).
So, if you’re looking for a way to pray for me (and I’m sure you are :-); you can pray that I will continue to make the decisions moment by moment to trust that God is enough for me and to walk in His joy!
