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December 20, 2008
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=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================
Be Not Afraid, by Russ Lawson
What is it that frightens you in life? It seems that lots of folks I
talk with are living in a state of fear. They are afraid of the changes
in our society, in our government, in the economic stability of our
nation, of losing their jobs, of losing their health or of just getting
older.
How much do you talk to God about your fears? Prayer is one of the ways
we let God know what is on our hearts. It is also a way to take a
closer look at our fears and our own limitations and put them into
perspective with God's power.
Most folks will agree this is true, but most of us tend to forget too
soon, and are like the little boy the minister asked, "Do you say your
prayers to God each night?" "Yes, sir," the boy replied. "And, do you
always say them in the morning, too?" the minister asked. "No sir," the
boy replied. "I ain't afraid in the daytime."
You see, we at times are overwhelmed by our fears and quickly cry out
to God, but as soon as the emergency passes we forget. We not only
forget the emergency, but we forget to continue to talk with God.
Notice what the apostle Paul wrote to people just like us -- and don't
forget that he was in prison and not sure if he would live or die when
he wrote it:
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell
God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do
this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful
than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your
hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7
NLT).
Let me suggest that you don't fall into the trap of calling upon God
only when you are afraid. Rather, make it a daily practice to talk with
him and share your needs, but also thank him for all he has done! If
you will do that, you will find it much easier to "experience God's
peace"!
Be not dismayed!
One of my favorite hymns is titled, "God Will Take Care of You." Notice
the first line and words of the chorus:
Be not dismayed whate'er betide,
God will take care of you;
beneath his wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.
God will take care of you,
through every day, o'er all the way;
he will take care of you,
God will take care of you.
Don't be afraid -- "Be not dismayed" -- rather, share your concerns and
fears with the only one who can truly protect you! "Give all your
worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you" (1
Peter 5:7 NLT).
---------
(c) 2008 Russ Lawson <rlawson@wclo.net>, Messages from the Heart
<http://www.mfth.net/aboutus.html>. All rights reserved.
RELATED LINKS:
* It's Been Taken Care Of
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200409/20040909_careof.html
* Safe with Dad
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200407/20040707_safewithdad.html
* Steady, It Could Be God
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200505/20050529_couldbegod.html
* Messages from the Heart
http://www.mfth.net/aboutus.html
This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200812/20081220_benotafraid.html
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
THE POWER OF A PRAYING WIFE, by Stormie Omartian
Today's challenges and pressures can make a fulfilling marriage seem
like an impossible dream. Stormie Omartian shares how God has
strengthened her own marriage since she began to pray for her husband
concerning key areas of his life.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?258
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
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