HELP ME TO COMMIT
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Psalms 23:4 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
As I read this passage today, I was thinking of a conversation I had recently with a wonderful man who is struggling with depression. There are a variety of circumstances present in his life that have led him to allow anxiety, worry, and fear to become his dominant companions. His mind has reached a point where he can’t see anything good about life.
David declared, “when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid.” David made a choice not to be afraid. He chose to focus on the presence of God even when the presence of evil was very real.
Recently I read there are 365 verses in the Bible that declare “Fear not.” I thought it was interesting that God gave us a verse for every day of the year reminding us to not be afraid.
Fear and worry have a way of transforming our perspective. If we allow fear to take root in our lives, we will interpret everything that happens through the lens of fear. This will sap us of any energy for hope and joy.
The fruit of the Spirit being in our lives is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If we allow the Holy Spirit to grow in our lives we will have love, joy, and peace growing in our lives. That doesn’t sound like a place where fear and anxiety can grow.
I am convinced we can’t live this kind of life by ourselves. We need three key ingredients to live free from fear: the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the family of God.
We must be in the Word of God every day. God’s Word is truth. We are bombarded every day by false information appearing to be real. We must counter that attack with truth.
We must also connect with the Spirit of God each day. Spending time in worship and prayer is vital to train ourselves to listen to the Holy Spirit. Allow His fruit to grow in our lives.
Finally, we must commit to authentic, meaningful relationships in the family of God. Life is too tough to do alone. We all need others to walk with us through this life.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit help me to decide to live without fear. Remind me today that You are with me. Help me to commit to Your Word, Your presence, and the family of God.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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