Tag Archives: forest fire

When Anxiety Presses In

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lightening-7628

Fear of Fire

There are certain memories that I can’t allow my mind to dwell upon, or my anxiety takes charge. It is like thinking of sharks when you’re swimming in the ocean. When my angst starts to rise I must fall at the feet of Jesus and ask Him for help. Otherwise, I get all wound up and stress out. On the last occasion, when my fears started to rise, the Holy Spirit reminded me of John 17:26.

I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.

According to Jesus’ prayer for me, He will continue to make the Father known to me “in order that the love God has for Jesus may be in me.” Wow, how amazing is that? The love God has for the Son is placed upon and in me. The simple reason for this is the Holy Spirit places Jesus in me. Think of it, the creator of all things in me. When I set my mind to dwell upon this prayer, my anxiety and depression begin to bow before Jesus, and I can start to breath again.

The Fear

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Fear can make us act in strange ways.

Fear at the doorstep

Fear at the doorstep, Fisher Fire 2004

So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you. (Matthew 25:25)

I am afraid of losing what little I have.
I am afraid I’m not smart enough.
I am afraid people will laugh at me.
I am afraid I can’t do it.
I am afraid of being alone.
I am afraid I’m a failure.
I am afraid of dying.
I am afraid that I’m afraid.
Fear is all I feel,
And my fears make me run.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)

Everyone is a coward,
But the righteous run to the name given to cover our shame.
Everyone is a failure,
But the righteous run to the name for strength to start anew.
Everyone is afraid of pain and death,
But the righteous run to the name, who is the source of life.
Everyone feels fear,
But God uses our fear to bring forth faith.
Everyone has fears, but the righteous run to the name given by God to cover all our sin, weakness, and failures.
That name is Jesus, which means God saves.
Faith is running to God in the midst of our fears.

A Path Through Scorched Earth (Psalm 139)

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Trail to Lake Caroline

Trail to Lake Caroline

All my thoughts are gray.
I am lost in despondency.
I cannot move for the weight of my darkness.
O Lord, You search for me, because You care for me.
I make my bed in Sheol.
Behold, You are here with me.
You stoop down to meet me, because You love me.
You come along side me, because of Your great compassion.
You understand how I feel, because You walked these paths.
You cry with me and do not run out of tears.
This gray day has been known by You since I was first made,
Its purpose is not lost, because You are with me.
Your compassion for me will never end; it will never grow old.
You surround me and have laid Your hand upon me.
I scarcely understand.
Though I forsake myself, You will not.
And someday, I will enter Your rest,
Because Your grip is sure and You know the way.

After the Fire

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From scorched earth God brings forth such glory.

From scorched earth God brings forth such glory.

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!  (Psalm 30:11-12)

God’s grace never ceases to amaze me.