Fear & Worry

I have found that lately I have been tempted to fear. By God's grace, I haven't given in to them, but I have to constantly turn my eyes to the Lord to avoid being overwhelmed with fear at times.

Several weeks ago my grandparent's small dog (Cuddles) was attacked by a large dog, and we weren't sure that Cuddles was going to make it. I love animals, and I was very concerned about my grandparent's dog, but I have to admit, my biggest fear was that the stress of the situation would take its toll on my grandparents, and I was afraid they would suffer serious health problems because of the attack. I kept praying, asking the Lord to heal Cuddles, give peace and rest to my grandparents, and help me to trust in Him and not worry. Cuddles pulled through, and is doing very well. My grandparents are still a little shaken up over the situation, but are also doing well.

Last night I found out my father was in the hospital, and had a high fever. He had a heart valve replacement about 15 years ago, so any time he has an infection, there is reason to be concerned (temptation to worry). His fever went up and down a lot, and they weren't sure what was wrong with him. When I talked with my father on the phone this morning, he sounded awful. Again, I could feel the fears coming back. I could only find peace in praying and asking once again for the Lord to heal him and to help me trust in Him and not worry. Later today I found out his fever broke, and they figured out what was wrong, and he will be fine in a few days and can come home.

I am concerned about how long I can stay in this job. I am tempted to worry that I will not find another job before I grow weary at this job, and start to do a poor job. Just another opportunity to trust in the Lord and not worry.

I am considering going back to grad school, which for me is an anxiety attack waiting to happen. Picking the right school, right major, what job do I want to have when I get out, how can I work and go to school, (ok... breathe...) "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13) Oh, help me to believe this Lord.

I know that the trials in my life are so small compared to what other people have to deal with, but I still struggle with fear and worry. The Lord allows us to have trials to help us trust in Him, even when life doesn't make sense.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5,6)

Trials will come. The Bible promises us that. But the bible also promises to give us grace when those trials come:

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

"For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10)

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life." (Matthew 6:27)

Help me Lord to trust in You. Help me to not worry. Help me to fear You and nothing else. The Lord does not give us grace for trials that "might happen." He gives us grace for trials when they come. He tells us not to worry, because worrying is outside of God's will for us. He wants us to trust Him completely. He will meet us in our needs. Do not fear, for He is with us. He is in control. He is Sovereign. He is Holy. He is Good.

Thank you Lord for Your peace. It is a refreshing drink from your fountain of Life.