I mean no disrespect to our unwritten house suggestion that states “we don’t say ‘stupid'” but fear really is stupid. It steals rest and joy and peace and hope — all things that Christ died to give us. And it’s sneaky. It can hang out in our hearts and minds — lounging on the couch and eating all our favorite foods — before we even know it’s there.
Like I said. It’s stupid.
One of my fears was realized last week when two guys tried to break into our house. Thankfully we weren’t home when it happened. But as I turned onto our road, I heard our alarm BLARING and saw one of the guys jumping the fence. The other guy ducked down in the backyard as I pulled into the driveway. Then he ran to follow the first guy over the fence.
I never got a good look at the first guy, but the second guy and I locked eyes for a good three seconds. I just thought, “Dude. What are you thinking?” Then I called the cops and experienced their guns-pulled-house-search. Oh and the crime lab dusting for fingerprints.
That night fear stole most of my sleep. Which meant that I was more grumpy the next day plus being hyper-vigilant about looking out the window and turning on the alarm even when I was in the house. Like I said, fear is…well, you know.
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father.
Romans 8:15
Fears will come. While we live on this planet with our hearts exposed to the hands of others, fears will arise. We’re human. We can’t see past this moment. But fear doesn’t have to be where we live. It’s not the spirit He gave us. (2 Timothy 1:7)
That whole next day I wrestled with my emotions in light of truth. I preached of His faithful character and listed the ways He protected. And that night, I slept sound.
Because here’s the bottom line. Even if our fears become our reality — even if that person hurts us again or someone breaks into our home — His grace is sufficient.
Do you believe that?
His grace will always be sufficient for whatever we have to walk through on this planet. In the exact moment we need His grace poured out and carrying us through, He will pour it out and carry us through.
Fear is stupid because it lies and steals and makes us forget who’s reigning. But in Christ, fear does not have to be our dwelling place. Stir Him up today, sweet friends. Fears have to bow in His presence.
Fill me, Lord…
What fears have you wrestled with lately?
What truths can you meditate upon to combat those fears?
OK, sweet peeps. If you’re memorizing the Sermon on the Mount with me then we are onto chapter 7! The shortest of the three chapters! Cra-zay. Press on, wherever you are in the journey.
{Week 32}
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
Matthew 7:1-2
I get to be first! Yey! Lara, when you were telling about the guys running from your house, the first thing I thought was that darkness flees from the light. I’ll pray for your continued peace. On another note, I work all night pretty much by myself and I really look forward to “To Overflowing.” Peace
Ahh, Kathy, I love that, “Darkness flees from the light.” So true. And it definitely felt like an attack from the enemy…within the bounds of my loving Father. And thank you for your encouragement with my blog. Hope your night at work went well!
Wow! I wrestle with fear too. This is a great post. Did the kids do any damage?
No damage except for a busted lock on the window. As soon as they climbed in the alarm went off and they ran. Praying we believe what’s true today so that fears bow down. 🙂
I mean really, this is just why I love you and your words girl.
The truth straight up.
Cutting the the core of what we feel.
But saying it plainly so we can grab on tight.
Fear IS stupid.
And grace IS bigger than my stupid.
xoxo,
see you Saturday!
It is SO awesome to be able to say “I’ll see you Saturday!” Really excited about catching up! And yes His grace IS much bigger than the stupid. Love you, sister.
I needed this today! We talked about fear in SS yesterday and last night (wouldn’t you know it), a fear came creepin’ in my world through an “unknown”.
Stupid fears….
Have a blessed day friend!
Hugs!
Stupid fears. Awesome, faithful, always in control God. Much love to you, friend, as you wrestle those fears to the ground. “It is written.” xoxo
Beautiful as always Lara! Favorite thought: [It steals rest and joy and peace and hope — all things that Christ died to give us.]
Fear was my topic today too over at http://www.momentumlife.tv/mama-im-afraid/
Funny how God always lines these ironies up!
Oh, I’m so sorry. I’ve been there. Sort of. Many years ago someone tried to break in our house after we’d gone to bed. They didn’t get in but I was freaked out for quite awhile and very fearful. Your post is so sound.
And I’m so glad you were kept protected and okay in this situation.
“Fear is stupid because it lies and steals and makes us forget who’s reigning. But in Christ, fear does not have to be our dwelling place. Stir Him up today, sweet friends.” I love this part. Thank you for speaking truth to us. You are such an encouragement to me.