The Firm Foundation

    As I was talking on the phone to my mom tonight and telling her about some things that have been bothering me, she does what all good moms do, and began to encourage me. She read me a little passage from a great devotional book called, Jesus Calling. She had given me the same book a few months back, but I have not read it on a daily basis as I should. Well, while soaking in the tub tonight I decided to read a few passages, and came across this one that I loved...

      "I AM THE FIRM FOUNDATION on which you can dance and sing and celebrate My Presence. This is My high and holy calling for you; receive it as a precious gift. Glorifying and enjoying Me is a higher priority than maintaining a tidy, structured life. Give up your striving to keep everything under control- an impossible task and a waste of precious energy.

      My guidance for all of My children is unique. That's why listening to Me is so vital for your well-being. Let me prepare you for the day that awaits you and point you in the right direction. I am with you continually, so don't be intimidated by fear. Though it stalks you, it cannot harm you, as long as you cling to My hand. Keep your eyes on Me, enjoying Peace in My Presence." (Psalm 5:11; Eph. 3:20-21; Jude 24-25; Joshua 1:5)

     I don't know about you, but this is exactly what I needed to hear tonight...especially the part about fear. I never really thought about our fear stalking us, but isn't it so true? When we're fearful of something, we can't sleep, we can't think clearly, and no matter where we turn...the fear is still staring us right in the face. This is exactly what the enemy wants. Jesus tells us in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
    
     So, how can we stop the enemy from stealing our joy and trust in the Lord, and live a life abundantly in Christ? I believe this can only happen when we fix our eyes on Jesus and fully trust in His love for us. We are His children whom He loves deeply, and when we take our focus off of Him, and instead focus on our fears...we are allowing the enemy to win. I don't know about you, but I am sick and tired of allowing my fears to consume me and letting the enemy win. Let's all turn our focus on the only One who is completely trustworthy and be confident that if He is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) May we go to Him with ALL of our fears and worries and allow Him to be our hiding place. There is no safer or sweeter place to be than in His dwelling.


"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." -Isaiah 41:10