FEAR

What shall we then say to these things?  If God be for us, who can be against us?

Praise God in time of fear, just like Daniel did in the lions den:

Do you ever think that because you aren't good enough for God, that HE will not save you?  Do you ever feel that salvation is for  everyone else but you?  How many times do you hear the words whispered over and over again in your ear, "you are not good enough".  "God does not want you".  "Where do you get off thinking that you would ever be good enough to enter Heaven after everything that you have done?"  Sometimes these thoughts kick us around and back again, until they land us right smack on our derriere. The fear that overcomes us keeps us in a state of despair and worthlessness.

We need to learn to recognize these thoughts and literally "ARREST" them.  I oftentimes wonder how Daniel felt as he arrived at the entrance to the lions den.  He knew without a shadow of a doubt that his  GOD was with him regardless of the outcome!  He faced the men and the lions in a fearless fashion!  How do you face your lions?  Do you have lions or am I the only one that has lions?  My lions sure do like to roar in the loudest, and most ferocious manner.  And at times I must confess that they do instill fear in these old bones.  However, we must must NEVER ALLOW that fear to set up residence within us.

Can you imagine what would have become of Daniel if he had allowed that fear to envelop him?

Or David, as he was literally hunted by Saul? He trusted only in his God.

Friend, what hunts you down?  Where are your lions?  Those are somewhat important questions.  But the Real questions that you should look deep down within yourself to be able to fully answer is:  Are you certain, deep down to the tip of your toes certain, that Christ wants you, loves you, died for you and has risen once more to sit at the right hand of the Father while HE awaits your arrival?

YOU SHOULD BE!!  For God is not a man that HE should lie; neither the son of man that HE should repent.  Hath HE said and shall HE not do it; or hath HE spoken and shall HE not make it good?  Numbers 23:19

You see the greatest danger lies within ourselves, as our carelessness in regards to our thoughts. My preacher tell us quite regularly "THE BATTLE IS FOR THE MIND".  My friends we must watch and pray.  Arrest those thoughts immediately!  Turn that concern into a prayer, recognizing that your GOD is greater than any peril that may threaten to bring upheaval to your life.

FATHER in Heaven. May I always recognize the whispers that are yours and allow them to soothe my tired soul. Teach me to discern the flaming arrows that are shot my way.  Father help me to immediately recognize that you are in control of every moment of my life. And because of that I need not fear.