October 29, 2014 Fix Your Eyes…

     Yesterday was a dread-full day… Yes, I have been writing about all the ways to overcome fear/anxiety/dread – whatever you may name it. Yet I am reminded “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

I made a choice yesterday – the choice to let circumstances and my own insecurities rule the day, instead of letting the King of the universe rule my heart…

So I spent a miserable day wrapped up in self, making those around me uncomfortable. I couldn’t/wouldn’t see the joy and beauty around me; I looked at everything through a dark cloud.

Here’s the thing: there wasn’t even a particular event that dredged up my anxiety. Rather it was letting self-talk drop me into the hole of insecurity. Instead of looking to where my help comes from, I kept my focus on me and thoughts swirling darker…

Focus defined means: pay particular attention to. Our soul eyes can so easily be turned away from our Helper – in weakness we look in or down or anywhere but up…

“I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2 NIV)

Yesterday I took my eyes off the source of living brave. A valuable lesson was learned: focus beyond self, beyond circumstances. Give thanks in all circumstances and don’t let this world or self-talk direct my steps…

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2Corinthians 4:18 NIV)

 

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October 2, 2014 Define Brave

   This lovely lily is included again today because it speaks courageous – just as this lily sprang strong and tall among all the lily pads surrounding it, so too with God’s courage we can ‘stand tall’ in all that is surrounding us…

Today’s question: What is your definition of brave? of fearless? In order to be more of something or to feel something you must know what it is. Is it: 1. not always doubting yourself, 2. being able to face conflict, 3. confidence to speak in public – maybe it’s none of these, or maybe it’s all. To reach the place of Fear…Less first decide what it looks like for you.

It might help to think of people you know, people from history, people you admire that you consider courageous. What characteristics do they exhibit making you think of them as brave?

Wouldn’t you be surprised to find out they, like you, have their own doubts or insecurities or anxious moments? Remember, although we are created in the image of an awesome and mighty God, we are frail humans subject to what sin has wreaked throughout time. We can try to pull up our bootstraps as the saying goes, we can try to imitate others, we can read this blog or books on the subject – but until we recognize, call on, and accept nothing less than the true source of courage, we will continue to step in fear and not step in bravery.

I’m reminded Jesus told us to “Consider the lilies, how they grow…” (Luke 12:27 ESV) Are you not much more valuable, stronger, equipped, and loved than even the beautiful things of creation?