FEAR FREE

FEAR FREE

My wife, Belinda, is currently on the gluten-free dietary kick. She makes heroic efforts to diminish our intake of this gluey substance which is the remaining residue when grain flours are washed to remove starch. I applaud her efforts, and I must admit that yesterday’s ziti was just as tasty, devoid (as much as possible) of ingredients containing gluten. Belinda is an absolutely terrific cook and a loving wife. Great matrimonial grace is reflected in every single thing that she does.

While I was pondering the recent ‘culinary lecture’ on the dangers of glutens – so thoroughly presented and articulated by my darling wife – my mind somehow wandered to another place. [Note To All Wives: FYI, your husbands might be occasionally guilty of drifting during particularly lengthy discourses! Smile!] Anyh-o-o-o, Belinda’s commentary made me think of some other ‘glutinous substances’ that potentially prevent us from embracing what I will term ‘healthy-life-diets.’

Unquestionably, FEAR tops the list of toxic emotional substances that we are prone to ingest and digest, often without consciously considering the negative ramifications of its resultant mindset and actions.

While I agree with my wife that it is very important to embrace a dietary regimen that is free from destructive elements of every stripe, I am convinced that it is of equal (perhaps greater) importance to rid ourselves of a daily intake of satanic poisons, such as fear.

Why? According to Dictionary.com, “FEAR” is “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined…something that causes feelings of dread or apprehension.” Obviously, “GOD is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” (I Corinthians 14:33) We know, then, who is the real source of fear.  Right?

Bottom-line: “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7) This fact neatly dovetails with the essence and character of our Creator. “GOD is LOVE.” (I John 4:8b) By abiding in Him, and He in us, we are able to escape the tormenting and troublesome snare of living in fear. After all, writes John, the apostle of love, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love [GOD] casts out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (I John 4:18)

Fear is the polar opposite of faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please him [GOD]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Fear is closely akin to a computer virus. Think about it. Fear directly impacts one’s ability to think clearly, to accurately process information and to act in ways that are appropriate and courageous. To wit, fear is a blessings-blocker.

The antidote to fear is simple and available. We must train our minds to THINK, REJOICE, AND PRAY…FAITH-FULLY. Consider the Word of the Lord.

Philippians 4:8
For whatsover things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

I Thessalonians 5:17-18
Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Luke 18:1
And he [Jesus] spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

Living fear-free is the believer’s heritage, a God-given covenant promise and privilege. To live in any other way actually dishonors God – because anyone who exists shrouded in constant anxiety and fear does not truly trust God or His Word. Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed.