It’s early in the morning, the birds are chirping and there are sounds of the earth rising from it’s sleep. There is a humid feel hanging in the air after a night of steady rainfall. All is well, or at least it should feel that way. When my eyes first opened, and I began to stir, anxiety was waiting beside my bed to cloak me in fear for the day. It stretched out its skeletal hand and tried to wrap its cold tendrils around my throat and heart. It beckoned me to join it for an excursion with unfounded dread for the day. That’s when a decision had to be made. Would I join fear or would I intentionally partner with faith?
I felt something that looked like courage rise up from deep within me, but when I first began to engage it, doubt tightened its threatening grasp around my throat. Then I knew, I would most certainly have victory today, why else would fear be so looming in the morning?
I began to focus on the promises. I began to recite truth to my heart and mind. With each repetition, anxieties grip loosened. With each decision to follow peace and joy, not fear and irritation, I become Victory.
We never can tell what each day will bring, but I am always certain, fear is not from the Lord. Anxiety is not in His plan for my life. So, with intentionality I will turn my back on it and look into the Father’s eyes again. He knows my heart. He has good plans for me. He cares for me. He alone is my Provider, Defender, Lover and Friend. His voice never lies. He IS Truth. I can trust Him.
I ask you, how do you face each day? When fear or anxiety come knocking do you give them unlimited access, or do you stand firm? Have you learned that fear is not something that just happens to you, it’s something you allow? Yes, sometimes the battle can feel intense, but remember God said we are more than conquerors. We have a way out of every temptation. Fear is a temptation.
How will you embrace this day?
God, I surrender to You and Your plan. I give You my whole heart. I pray You would guard me against fear and deliver me from anxiety. You are my portion. You are my delight. I trust You this morning. You establish my life. You make my steps secure. You, and no other. Thank You for being my God. Thank You for loving me. I surrender this day to You, and I choose You over anxiety and fear. I choose You.
Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. Romans 4:16
Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. Hebrews 4:1
365 Days in the Presence 