Tormented

As I was driving home from the supermarket this morning, talking to God, and weeping through the pain of my current situation, and fighting to hold onto faith without wavering, I was gently reminded of Psalm 23-specifically the second part of vs. 4: "... I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me". (KJV)

But in The Living Bible translation, it reads "I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way".

We all go through things in life, and giving your life to Christ does not automatically make you exempt in the trial and tribulation department.  I'm sure a lot more people would "come to The Lord" if it did.  Sometimes, in fact, it feels like the fire is turned up once we really get serious about God.  Well, I've been going through a particular trial for more than a decade, and the truth is, sometimes I just get tired.  But worse than being tired is being afraid.  If I'm going to be honest, and, hey, there's no other way I want to be, I have to admit that I've spent much of my life afraid.  I love God and believe in Him, but fear always seems to try to come lurking.  Afraid of not having enough.  Afraid of my marriage failing.  Afraid of being rejected by people-especially family members.  Afraid of being talked about.  Afraid of failing in business.  Afraid of more loss.  Afraid of failing God. Afraid. Afraid. Afraid!!!! 

But God has not given me the spirit of fear or timidity.  He has given me power, love, and a sound, well-balanced mind.  Fear makes you desperate, and desperation makes you do dumb things!  In essence, operating in constant fear makes your mind off-balance, which causes you to make choices that are not sound ones. The Bible says that fear has torment, and boy does it!!   But Hallelujah! The scripture goes on to say "But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in You" Psalm 56:3.  The prescription for fear is to make a conscious, deliberate decision to trust in God.  So today, I choose to trust God with my marriage, my children, my finances, my health, my businesses, and every other area, because no matter what it looks like to those around me, or even to me at times, The Lord is close beside me, guarding and guiding me all the way! Now that's cause to celebrate!