“Mommy, can you just be with me.”
The look in his eyes, says it all – he is worried and scared about the perceived “real enemy” on TV.
Fear and worry fills his face, but, my son seems to know that having mommy next to him makes all the difference.
He knows that with the presence of a parent, he is safer.
That the TV is not real and that his mommy is.
That nothing can come against when is mommy is there.
I love both his faith in me and his desire to draw near to me in this moment.
But, I wonder am I this way when I come face-to-face with worries?
Do I choose to sit with the enemy and dwell on his tactics
or do I choose to sit with my Father and dwell on his goodness?
Do I choose to let God protect me, guard me and speak truth into my soul
or I do I choose to let the show and all it’s details play on and on and on?
Do I choose to sit with the fear-consuming, worry-ravaging, all-powerful Father
or do I choose a screen that replays my worst fears,
my worst case scenarios and my enemy’s worst threats?
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Ps. 16:8)
I keep my eyes on the Lord! I. WILL. NOT. BE. SHAKEN.
Eyes on God can’t have eyes on problems.
Eyes beholding nature’s beauty can’t be beholding life’s injustices.
Eyes beholding God’s love can’t be beholding the world’s hate.
Eyes beholding God’s truth in a still moment, can’t be running circles in fear.
When we have our eyes set on God’s perfect love, and we receive it in a moment of close embrace, fear is cast out. (1 Jo. 4:18).
The presence of God that sits with us when we fear, gives us a new perspective on what looms near. His presence confirms to our soul – we are his.
By faith he (Moses) left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. (Heb. 11:27)
Moses seemed to know God is “Emmanuel” – meaning, “God with us”. He seemed to know, when God is with us, nothing can come against us.
When we dwell on God’s nearness, worry fades and strength pervades.
Moses knew he could move forward with “God with him”; He could persevere verses cower in fear.
He saw the one who is right there.
Always present.
Always helping.
Always leading.
Always loving.
Always protecting.
Always giving.
Do we see “God with us” in our problems? Do we allow his real and powerful presence to cast aside all our worries?
Because when we pull near, he is there and there is no room left for fear. His love pulls up and fills us up – in a real and powerful way. Then, worry has to leave.
Suddenly, we overcome the face of fear through the power of faith.
We know he is closer than any looming disaster and more powerful than they enemy.
We see him with us as we go through the valley of the shadow of death (Ps. 23:4).
We remain in God – and he remains with us. (John 15:4-5)
Worry and worship aren’t friends. When one comes, the other leaves. Stillness and a racing mind don’t hold hands either. One runs away from the other.
When we choose “God with us”, we seemingly find our way of escape, our protector, our strength, our hope, our defense. We can trust he is working all things out for his purposes, which are always good.
Enemies can try to come against, but when God is with us, we send their bags packing, because God wins every time.
Dear friend, I know what it is like to worry. I know the pain, I know the agony and I know the despair, but today, God is calling you to something greater. God is calling you to get real, honest and transparent; he is calling you to bask in his presence.
Will you call him near as the screen of life portrays images that invoke fear? He offers the ultimate protection.
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Today, I linkup with #LiveFreeThursday and Five Minute Friday.
Miss Kelly, you know how you told me that my post spoke deeply to your heart this week? Well, right back at you sister. I have been having difficulty sleeping this week, worrying about a loved one, and this is a wonderful reminder to just let it go and let God do the work. Yes, I already know this…but how easily we forget. It’s great to be reminded. 🙂 I love that we were truly able to encourage each others soul this week. Blessings!
Wow, I love the mutual encouragement. This is what Paul is talking about. I just bow down and praise him that he touched both of our hearts. Blessings back at you sister!
I so needed to read this today (you’ll never know how much). Thank you {A FMF friend}
Praise God for that, Helen. May the Lord guide you in all your ways.
I keep my eyes on the Lord. <– Yes and amen. That's what brought us through our first battle with cancer when I was just a young mom and wife and woman. It's what will take us through this next battle when we are seasoned adults still in love all these years later. <3 Thanks for the reminder! You are a blessing.
Wow Suzie. I praise God that his comfort got you through the first time – and it will get you through the second time too. We will keep our eyes on him when all around us falls apart. I am so grateful for you, dear friend.
Kelly, you always know the right think to say! Love you sister!
You are the best Christy. Much love to you.
What a perfect reminder that I need to stop focusing on my problems and turn my eyes to Him. Thank you for sharing
Praise God for his faithfulness. He will never leave us Amy. Thanks for joining me today. I hope you can join us for the #RaRalinkup on Tuesday’s sometime.
Oh I love this so much… yes, yes, yes! Basking in His Presence is my FAVORITE! (See… it turns out there IS one favorite that I can pick!) 😉
I love that. Basking sounds so delightful doesn’t it. He wants that for us. Let’s bask Karrilee, let’s bask!
Yes! When we focus on the goodness of God, there isn’t room for worry. I love how you explained this. I kept thinking about Philippians 4:8 as I read this. We need to guard our minds and think on the things of our Father.
Amen! Let’s focus on all that is good. Good that casts all bad out. Love that verse Dawn.
Hey #DanceWithJesus neighbor! THIS: When we dwell on God’s nearness, worry fades and strength pervades. Yes, Kelly! And I have long said Our God is bigger than any boogey man. Keep pressing into him and sharing your stories and so will I! Until all us sometimes captives are FREE. {Freedom is my word from God for 2015} Love and hugs to you, my friend.
Love that Sheila. Let’s press in. I am ready to be as free as free can be. He has brought me so far and I can’t wait to see how far he will take me. Let’s go dear Sheila. God’s journey is exciting.
Worry and worship are opposites. How true! When one comes, the other leaves. I have been called a “worrier.” But that is not who I am. I am a worshipper and try to rest in Him rather than rest in worry.
Thank you for a beautiful post!
That is not who you are! I love the worshipper over worrier idea that you wrote! So true. You are worshipper. Let no one tell you differently! Love that sweet Dana who I value so much.
Hello Kelly,
This post blessed and spoke to my heart. Fear & worry have been something I’ve battled with, when my mind is stayed on it, rather than on Him. Fear was a major issue in me starting (or not starting) to blog and on a consistent basis. As I went forth In Him, obtaining courage and strength from trusting in Him, I’ve been able to see His grace and His mighty hand at work. I know, there’s still some assembly required in me, but I trust daily that He who began that good work in me, will complete it. And if He before me, nothing can be against me. Thank you Kelly for sounding the alarm against fear but to rise up in faith & trust in our awesome, all-sufficient Daddy! I’m looking forward to this new journey of growth, liberty and strength. #DancewithJesus
That is right Sybil. God is not looking for saints, he is looking for available sinners in need of a Savior. We all raise our hands on that one. I understand the desire to grow more in him. He is so at work in us. It is amazing. I find he does it when we aren’t even looking. He is so cool. I am delighted that you are part of the linkup. I already feel like you are a puzzle piece that fits right in.
Kelly Thanks for your post. Worry can be such a thief as it comes and steals our joy, our faith, and our courage. I appreciate posts like this that remind us where our hope lies, and that we can simply crawl into the lap of our Father God and seek our joy, comfort, and strength in Him. Thank you for your great reminders.
Amy
You bet Amy! It is an honor to talk about our Father who is always waiting for us to come to him.
Thank you Kelly. As children we would run from worry and fear but as adults we seem to feast on them. Thank you for doing the sound cloud
I am so glad I did Carolyn. It is interesting, I wonder how we learned to be so afraid? Sure, we got hurt, but we started to believe God is not good to some degree. Thanks for getting me thinking! I love your words – and you Carolyn.
Kelly, love your post for #livefree: “Because when we pull near, he is there and there is no room left for fear.” great words, sweet sister!
The prayer of my heart is that you and I, Kim, pull SO close. May we just draw up right next to him and snuggle in to all that he is.
Worry and worship aren’t friends. When one comes, the other leaves. Stillness and a racing mind don’t hold hands either. One runs away from the other. <— Love this! It's true, I have been there! When worry comes, it's like I can't open my mouth. I have to choose every time to give in worry and embrace God's protection and presence. Kelly, thanks for this post. Encourage me!
They so aren’t. I literally hate worry. It is such a back-breaking burden. Let’s embrace his protection and presence. He loves us so much.