Festering Bugs

Fear. Worry. Doubt. Three words that we would all like to smush like an irriating bug-never to bother us again. Unfortunately, these three words linger- in the corners of our minds, in the crevices of our hearts, and if we aren't careful, they will devour us. Our humanity naturally feeds these feelings, so how do we find the strength of overcome these festering bugs?

Max Lucado tells of a time when his two-year daughter experienced fear. He recalls a time when she fearfully clung to him over something that would only be scary to a two-year old. He then goes on to beautifully parallel her trust and ours.

"And because she knows me, she trusts me. Instinctively, she is aware that I know more than she. So when I tell her not to worry, she doesn't worry. Instinctively, we should know that God knows more than we do. Common sense would tell us that He isn't afraid of the mice that roar in our world.... He's been there before. He knows how these shows end. He knows that the worst fear the foe can throw is only a mirage. And He wants us to listen to His voice and trust Him- as Sara trusted me...." (from Tell Me The Story)

In reflecting on fear/worry this morning, my first instinct was to think "We'll I don't fear much. I'm not afraid of the dark anymore. I'm not paralyzed by irrational fears. My life is pretty cushy, so what do I have to fear?" And then, after careful consideration, God showed me where my fear lies...in my inability to control every situation and everyone around me. Not that I want to be some crazy dictator, but we all know it would be nice to be able to make situations and people's hearts sway the way we think they should go. I fear my inabilities. I fear the salvation of my friends and family. I worry about the happiness and fullfillment of my loved ones. I fear losing my comforts and those closet to me. I realized I'm not immune to fear, it there, hidden, unspoken, and festering in my mind.

Proverbs 3:5-
⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
How do we combat fear? We trust in God. We listen to our instict that tells us to run to Him. We can't lean on what we know, for our understanding is so limited. We have to trust that God knows. Those things that I fear, I have no control over. Thus, my greatest fear is the lack of control in my life.  How often do our fears steem from our need to control and lack of surrender to God? 

Isaidh 26:3-4
³ “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,
Because he trusts in You.
⁴ “Trust in the LORD forever,
For in ^[a]GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.

If we can learn to guard our hearts and minds, and fully surrender our fears to God, guess what? He will listen.  Isaiah says if we do these things, He will give us perfect peace. This is all easier said than done. Surrendering isn't a one time deal, it's daily, it's a process. But God will be faithful to give us what we so long for...a calming, perfect peace in the face of our enemies- fear, doubt, and worry. Have a blessed day knowing that God is in control, and He knows the end of our stories.