BE

God has me on a journey of sorts through a series of blog posts, each connecting in some way to the one before. I initially thought this one was titled “Be not Afraid…” but then, it began to drift in a different direction.

This world is full of trials, temptations, perils, scary experiences, burdens, worries…the list goes on and on.  Sometimes…way to often for most of us, if we’re honest…we focus on what we see…financial woes, marital strife, health concerns, prodigal children, children at home who are unpredictable as opposed to robots (which we wouldn’t want either), job stress, blah blah blah!  We get whipped by the waves and worries of the world…and we just hang out there, treading water…and occasionally gulping a little of it!

Not only do we tread water in what we see, but in what we feel and experience…fear, anxiety, insecurity, worry, doubt, discouragement, confusion, guilt, shame, blame, anger, irritability…again, the list is seemingly endless.

So, what is the answer?  The world isn’t going to change, and neither is the human experience.  We will always be sinful people in a fallen world.

A couple of weeks ago, I challenged a dear friend in a tough situation.  She was fearful, and although I spoke it to her, I’m pretty sure the Lord whispered it in my ear…for both of us.  “The Bible doesn’t say not to FEEL afraid!  It says not to BE afraid!”

This thought comforted her and helped her move forward.  At the same time, it really challenged me and got me thinking about the implications of that statement.  The Bible is our road map, and it shows us how to walk through life.  Yes, God gives us our emotions…and when kept under control with our thoughts and desires, they serve a purpose.  I also thought of the statement that we need to allow our experiences/thoughts/feelings to RE-fine us…not DE-fine us”, but I’m pretty sure that’s my next post!

So, if focusing on our feelings and circumstances…both of which change and shift frequently…is not what God wants for us, what does He want for us?I believe the answer here is simple..notice I did not say easy!  I believe the answer lies within His Word…in the things He tells us to BE!

Be not afraid, only believe!  (Mark 5:36) (Did you know the Bible tells us 366 times…or so I’ve read…to not be afraid?  That’s one for every single day of the year…even when it’s a Leap Year!)

Be strong and courageous!  (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.  (John 16:33)

Be not conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind!  (Romans 12:2)

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you, wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Not only does His Word tell us what to be…it tells us what not to be!  So, the answer is as plain as our hands in front of our faces!  If we change how we think, we change what we are and allow ourselves to be transformed into the people God designed us to be, in the first place!  After all, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”  (Proverbs 23:7)

I’ve often heard that once we know something we didn’t know before, we are then held responsible for that command, etc.  Once a concept moves from our head to our heart, it is ours to be put to use.  My challenge to you…and myself…today, is to examine our hearts.  What are we choosing to be that He calls us not to be?  What are we choosing to ignore that He tells us to be?  What are we doing right, and what can we change?  And what are we going to do about it?

Lord, your Word is clear in what it commands to be and not to be.  Please change our hearts to be who you designed us to be.  Help us to be bold and courageous, of good cheer, not afraid, and transformed to be more like you, as we seek your face every day of our lives!  In Jesus’ name, Amen!