Did you know that we are moments, or a couple thoughts, away from the temptation of fear and discouragement on a daily basis?
It’s true. At any given moment we can be given news that attempts to turn our world of faith and peace upside down.
I know I have had days like that – when I hear news that turns everything upside down.
At times like those I get very quiet. I know the power of our words. I make sure my words will not produce fruit I don’t want to eat of.
I remember one time in particular; I had received bad news and I could not stop thinking about the situation. My mind began to be tormented with possibilities. I knew something had to change and change quickly. I knew I was moments away from discouragement. I knew I was a handful of thoughts away from fear.
What did I do? I watched carefully what went in my ears and eyes AND I kept my mind upon God and His word.
If we allow fear and discouragement to enter in, it only takes a few moments. However, once it is embedded in your heart, it will take much longer to get rid of it. Hours, days or even weeks. For this reason alone, we must guard our heart from all thoughts of fear or discouragement.
Joshua 1:9 says, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
1 Peter 5:7 says, Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
Romans 15:13 says, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Regardless of how dismal the news is, there is always hope in God. He is a God of hope, and He is always ready to fill us with hope! Nothing, absolutely nothing is impossible with our GOD!
1 Corinthians 15:58 says, Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Here’s the key. Be immovable. Don’t allow negative reports to move you off the promises of God.
Don’t allow negative words to cause you to forget what the Word of the living God has promised. God’s word is truth. God cannot and will not lie. If it is in His word, He will do it. Our part is to refuse to be moved off His word.
Refuse to mediate on the negative. Instead, pour the word of God into your mind and heart. The Bible says, as a man thinks, so is he. Think yourself into peace and faith! How can we do that in the midst of conflict?
By keeping our mind stayed on God and His word.
This is something God has been talking to me about all week long…refusing fear and keeping my eyes on Him, regardless of what I hear or see.
Isaiah 26:3, You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Peace is our promise. The same peace Jesus had. The amazing peace that remained on Jesus through death, hell and the grave. The same peace that was there when He rose again. That is the peace we have access to. Lay hold of it today by keeping your mind on God.
Fear and discouragement. Or faith and peace. May we be careful of what goes in our ears and eyes – may we constantly keep our eyes on God and His word – and may we continually remain in peace.
Appoint my Days!
I submit to all GODLY human authority. I will live an honorable life so that any and all ignorant and foolish accusations made against me will be silenced. I am free, but I am a slave to God and will not use my freedom as an excuse to sin. I have a healthy fear of the Lord. 1 Peter 2:13-17
