The other day I was washing my hands in the company restroom when I looked in the mirror and noticed this irregular, ragged brown spot on my right cheek. Within a quarter of a second, the voice in my head was saying, “What is THAT!?!? It’s skin cancer, isn’t it? Well, that’s what I get for spending so much time out in the sun without sunscreen. Now, I’m going to have to get surgery, and chemotherapy, and…”
Even while the voice in my head was still pouring out shame and guilt and blame and fear, I lifted a wet, soapy finger to the spot. It disappeared as I touched it –and I realized my skin cancer was, in reality, frosting from the chocolate cupcake I had eaten moments before.
Why am I like that?
Why are we all like that?
Why does fear and guilt and blame haunt us when we know all things work for the good of those who love God? (Romans 8:28) Why do we allow our internal dialogues to speak flat-out lies into our existence?
Various studies have been conducted and it’s been found that about 92% of what we worry about never happens.
It never happens! We literally worry about nothing!
And, if we really stop and think about it, the other eight percent of the time, worrying about what actually does happen doesn’t change it one bit. (Matthew 6:27)
At its best, worry is a waste of time. At its worst, it steals the joy we have in the Lord and it kills the praise and glory rightfully due God.
Worry is the opposite of faith. Worry does not build up. It destroys.
Worry is a lie.
And because worry is a lie, it’s pretty obviously from the enemy of our souls.
The word we use in English for “worry” is derived from an old word for how a wolf clamps its jaws on the throat of its prey and chokes the life out of it.
Worry is death.
Over and over again, the Bible tells us not to be afraid. We are told to be of good courage. (Joshua 1:9)
There is a moment in the New Testament when the disciples finally “get it.” They finally understand that Jesus has been telling them all along that He will soon be crucified and many horrible things will happen, but it’s all part of the plan. It is supposed to happen. This is how the Amplified Bible renders His words to them at that time in John 16:33:
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
He has overcome the world.
The king of Kings and LORD of all lords is in control. He who created the heavens and the earth just by speaking them into being has got this. The God who creates galaxies is for us! He loves us, protects us, sings over us, prepares a banquet for us in the presence of our enemies!
So, I will not be afraid. I will not succumb to the lie of worry. I will not give up my joy, His praise, or the truth of faith in Him for anything.
Not even for all the chocolate cupcakes in all the world.
Today’s Praise
Mark 4:39-40
“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”
I way too often play scenes in my mind where something bad happens. As soon as I’m aware of what I’m doing AGAIN, I speak God’s word aloud “Casting DOWN imagination and every high thing that exalts itself against the power of God.”
Just spent a few minutes with our Lord apologizing and asking for forgiveness, this was me for the past few days!
Thanks Brother!
The reality of your words fits nearly everyone of us. The enemy loves to eat our joy. Fear abounds in the midst of the attacks. BUT Jesus promises in His Word He will never leave us. He will supply every need to every believer for every fear the enemy tosses at us. We are wearing God’s raincoat!!! The fears will not stick. They will slide right off and be crushed under our Savior’s feet. We will have victory!! We have read the end of the Book !!!! We know who wins! Hallelujah!!