It’s hard to believe that just a week ago, I was watching snow fall while my home was experiencing rolling power outages. Having grown up in New York, I was familiar with the snow. But it took me by great surprise to see the entire state affected by lack of power and/or water.
I thought I was prepared by stocking up on groceries. However, I quickly realized that I was not prepared to whip up meals with limited power. So every time our power returned, every family member could be seen making a mad dash to fix a meal in the increment of 30 minutes that we had. It was crazy, but we also thought it was comical because it felt like we were on a reality cooking show.
In the midst of all that and being dressed in layers while huddling around candlelight, there was peace in our home. That is a testimony for me and I’m grateful for how the Lord has worked on my heart over the years.
You see, historically I have reacted with fear in unprecedented times. For example, I am reminded of 9/11. Now I recognize that everyone was left feeling afraid by this event. But what stands out the most in my mind to date is how I became panic-stricken. In the days that followed, I learned that my co-workers would huddle in an office to discuss how to share the latest breaking news with me. Me … a believer who was raised in the church and grew up in God’s Word.
I honestly didn’t think much of it at the time, but that remained with me over the years. Finally, I felt convicted that I allowed fear to make me irrational in how I thought, how I spoke, and how I behaved. While I knew the verse, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV), it was not evident in me.
Boy, was I in desperate need of God’s help! How could I just undo a mindset that had been with me for as long as I could remember?
The Bible says, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” (Jeremiah 33:3 ESV) I shared my heart with the Lord in prayer and I saw this verse come to life.
I began saying verses aloud when I felt fear creep up. Realizing that wasn’t enough, I posted verses everywhere I would look as visual reminders of God’s truth. I decided to abandon shame and instead, share my struggles with others who would intercede for me. Playing worship music in my house, while I drive, and when I work became my norm to keep my mind focused as we read in Philippians 4:8. Last, but not least, I have been making it a regular practice to express gratitude which quickly deflects from the what-ifs of the circumstances.
God’s Word reminds us that “A heart at peace gives life to the body,” (Proverbs 14:30). I am thankful for how the Lord has helped me shift from living in fear to living in His peace. Dear Friend, remember that the Lord Himself is our Peace (Ephesians 2:14).
~Joyce
Photo Credit: Rodolfo Sanches Carvelho on Unsplash
