FREED FROM FEAR

Hello dear readers.. As I said recently, I apologize for the formatting of these recent posts.. I copy/paste the SHEILA'S SHARING SHEETS which I distribute via email attachments and also in 'hard copy' to many individuals I cross paths with each week.. I love knowing there are some of you out there who do read this blog.. So.. Here is the current one! VERY TIMELY!

SHEILA’S SHARING SHEET   FREED FROM FEAR    Week of 4-18-16

(I am typing this the day after a terrorist bomb exploded in a bus in JERUSALEM.. Very near where I was just a few days ago!!)

Having just returned from our much-anticipated trip to Italy and Israel, I can now share how we were able to go ahead and actually take that trip in spite of Americans having been warned to avoid European airports and subways, etc in the wake of the Brussels, Belgium terrorists’ attacks a few weeks ago..

The ‘HOW,’ actually has 3 components which apply to anyone who learns to live in the LIGHT of Jesus who makes peace, hope, and joy everyday realities for us.

First off, I think of His understanding of our initial tendency to FEAR.. When it was time for the birth of JESUS to become known, the angels appeared, immediately telling the shepherds to ‘FEAR NOT!’ This year, I came to realize God’s compassion towards us (them) as HE addressed their natural reaction. So, welcoming His compassion towards me (us) is ONE way to deter FEAR..

Secondly, I fully trust in the truth of God’s numbering of my days.. PSALM 139:13-16 reminds, and assures me how the day I pass out of this body will not merely be matter of ‘chance,’ (unforeseen events, threats, etc!) but will be HIS perfect timing for my eternal reunion with HIM in GLORY!  What a joy it is to read, “13For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” In fact, the psalmist continues by recording, “17How precious to me are Your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! 18Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you!” I am secure in HIS commitment to me.

Thirdly, I find refuge from FEAR in knowing how HE is my shield, fortress, protector, and SO MUCH MORE! PSALM 18:30 says, “As for God, His way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.” II SAMUEL 22:31 reminds me, "God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection.” 

There are many more references to how and why we are meant to be free from fear’s bondage, but I will close with ISAIAH 41:10. “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.” Finally, in JOHN 14:27, JESUS told us believers, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Consider praying, "LORD JESUS, please help me to grow in my trust in YOU solely!!                           In Jesus' Name I pray! AMEN"