Daily Devotionals
Monday, February 5, 2024 (Mary Ann)
What are you afraid of?
There are so many fear options to choose from these days, it’s hard to pick a “favorite.” And every day, more and bigger reasons to worry seem to rain down on us.
Fact is, we will not run out of fears or anxieties this side of heaven. Jesus told his disciples (and us), “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” Then his promise: “But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
So what do we do? How do we “take heart?”
Growing up, I had the whole second floor of our old farmhouse to myself. But at night … oh my goodness was it dark! And quiet except for the creepy creaky old-house noises. And I was ALONE. So I kept a flashlight under my pillow, ready to whip it out and shine the light on that bad guy who could be hiding out in the attic above me or in one of the other rooms.
That was Step 1: Pin down that dastardly boogeyman in the light of my trusty flashlight.
But there was no Step 2!
Apparently I was foresight-challenged because I never considered what I’d do next. Now in hindsight, I’m sure my one and only real option would have been to cry out for my dad because I knew he was the only one who could rescue me.
There. Finally. After all these … um, decades … I’ve figured out what Step 2 is! It’s faith. Faith that someone bigger and stronger – someone who loved me enough to die for me – would take care of me and show me what to do.
I still get scared. Big, adult-size, bigger-than-any-boogeyman fears. Maybe you do, too.
So Step 1: Let’s shine those flashlights of ours on our fears. Face them. Name them. Expose them for what they are – very real, certainly scary, maybe even dangerous. Then Step 2: Rush into the arms of our loving, all-powerful Heavenly Dad where our faith lies. Give those fears to him and hold on to the fact that he has overcome every fearsome evil our enemy can ever throw at us.
Remember what our Father promised: “So DO NOT FEAR, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
When it’s dark and scary, hang on to this: “The Lord is with me; I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 118:6
And when you feel alone, remember: “THE LORD IS NEAR to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18
Finally, remember that you don't have to be alone. Monday nights at Rachel's Closet Cares have shown us that we really are better together when we laugh, share, learn and pray together. If you're not able to be part of this tribe, I encourage you to find your own. Remember what Jesus said: "I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I there among them." Matthew 18:19-20
There you have it. Buckle up and stay strong, Sisters!
Mary Ann
There are so many fear options to choose from these days, it’s hard to pick a “favorite.” And every day, more and bigger reasons to worry seem to rain down on us.
Fact is, we will not run out of fears or anxieties this side of heaven. Jesus told his disciples (and us), “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” Then his promise: “But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
So what do we do? How do we “take heart?”
Growing up, I had the whole second floor of our old farmhouse to myself. But at night … oh my goodness was it dark! And quiet except for the creepy creaky old-house noises. And I was ALONE. So I kept a flashlight under my pillow, ready to whip it out and shine the light on that bad guy who could be hiding out in the attic above me or in one of the other rooms.
That was Step 1: Pin down that dastardly boogeyman in the light of my trusty flashlight.
But there was no Step 2!
Apparently I was foresight-challenged because I never considered what I’d do next. Now in hindsight, I’m sure my one and only real option would have been to cry out for my dad because I knew he was the only one who could rescue me.
There. Finally. After all these … um, decades … I’ve figured out what Step 2 is! It’s faith. Faith that someone bigger and stronger – someone who loved me enough to die for me – would take care of me and show me what to do.
I still get scared. Big, adult-size, bigger-than-any-boogeyman fears. Maybe you do, too.
So Step 1: Let’s shine those flashlights of ours on our fears. Face them. Name them. Expose them for what they are – very real, certainly scary, maybe even dangerous. Then Step 2: Rush into the arms of our loving, all-powerful Heavenly Dad where our faith lies. Give those fears to him and hold on to the fact that he has overcome every fearsome evil our enemy can ever throw at us.
Remember what our Father promised: “So DO NOT FEAR, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
When it’s dark and scary, hang on to this: “The Lord is with me; I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 118:6
And when you feel alone, remember: “THE LORD IS NEAR to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18
Finally, remember that you don't have to be alone. Monday nights at Rachel's Closet Cares have shown us that we really are better together when we laugh, share, learn and pray together. If you're not able to be part of this tribe, I encourage you to find your own. Remember what Jesus said: "I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I there among them." Matthew 18:19-20
There you have it. Buckle up and stay strong, Sisters!
Mary Ann
