Eventually fear and discouragement trap us until we are consumed. When we see life through fear and discouragement, we live in an unshakable state of fear and discouragement.
The thing is . . . there is more to our reality than we often see . . . the presence . . . and power of God is our reality. The Israelites saw it . . . the presence and power . . . beyond anything they had ever experienced. They had been trapped in fear and discouragement, thinking they would have to go back to their oppressors or they would drown in the Red Sea. When they were rescued they sang their prayer:
"You stretch out your right hand,
and the earth swallows your enemies."
God can part the sea and make a dry path.God's presence and power had always been their Reality; no one and nothing could have overpowered them.
God can do more than whatever we think, speak, or imagine.
God's power is greater than anything or anyone.
We, too, need to see Reality. The Word of God speaks of the Reality that we need in our thoughts, attitude, conversations, decisions, and actions.
Deuteronomy 1:21-
See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Deuteronomy 31:8-
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Joshua 1:9-
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 8:1-
[ Ai Destroyed ] Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land.
Joshua 10:25-
Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight."
1 Chronicles 22:13-
Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
Do not fear.
Do not be discouraged.
Surrender.
Trust.
Know that God is present and powerful.
God will do more than can be imagined . . . including opening your Red Sea of life . . . there is no reason to fear or to be discouraged.
Learning to KickStart the day with the decision not to have fear or be discouraged,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)