Fearless

Fearless

The other week at church during worship, God showed me a vision. I was walking through a dark valley, but I was on this long, straight narrow path that was lit up with a white, glowing type of light. And there in front of me was Jesus, he was turned towards me on this same white, lit up path. He was smiling, with a glimmer in his eye, like he was excited to show me something. He was offering his hand out for me. I could sense the love and adventure he wanted to show me. As long as I kept my focus on him, I had this sense of adventure, love and excitement. When I looked all around me, it was scary, dark, hopeless and confusing. I realized I had a choice. I could focus on the hope and love being offered right in front of me, or all the dark scary things all around me. As, I reflected on this vision, I realized I could walk through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil, for Jesus is with me. I just needed to keep my focus on Him.

What a perfect image for our lives here on Earth. Even though there is fear and confusion going on all around us, if we keep our focus on Jesus, all that melts away. God has something far greater for us than to live a life full of worry and fear. All we have to do is trust Him, take His hand, and let Him lead us on the adventure of a lifetime.

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans for good and not for evil. Plans to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
You will be amazed what a weight off your shoulders it will be when you are living a life free of fear and worry. You see, when you are in a constant state of fear, it triggers your sympathetic nervous system, or what some refer to as the “fight or flight” part of your nervous system. This is the system that is triggered if you need to run away from a bear. It is also triggered when you are under a lot of perceived stress. That stress can be living a life of fear- all the “what ifs” that haunt your mind. But living life trusting in your Savior, leaning into Him, no matter what. That brings you into a more parasympathetic state of rest, which slows down your heart rate, helps you to think more clearly, decreases blood pressure, and helps digestion. God knows these health benefits as well as the spiritual benefits, which is why he asks us to come to Him in Matthew 11:28-30.

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take My yolk upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Action steps:

Spend some time in prayer, and focus on who God is. One suggestion is to look up all the different names of God and their meanings.
Write a list of the things you are fearful of or worried about. Then ask God what He has to say about these fears/worries. Listen and write it down.