31 Days of Repentance – Day 15: Forgive Me for Having Fear
By Monica Kritz
Mitchell County
Have you ever noticed how many times that The Bible tells us to “fear not”? I am so glad because I constantly need reminding. In this age of information (and misinformation) and technology that we live in, news travels fast. That can be good. That can be bad. When terror strikes, we all know about it, and it spreads fear. The media plays a huge role in this…some actually spread fear. When media had its’ beginning, it was simply to report the news. However, today, the media reports one-sided stories in many instances and therefore, causes the public reaction to be fear.
What is the solution? It is ok to read or watch media in order to know the basic news, but don’t let it consume you. If you spend more time watching or listening to news than you do anything else, it has become a “god,” an obsession. I do not apologize for making such a statement. It is the truth, and I write with a broken heart, out of concern for our culture and its’ obsessions. The things we spend the most time to shape our thoughts, and if we are constantly hearing news reports, it will make us fearful, as well as negative. Determine how many hours or minutes that you spend watching, listening to, or reading the news. THE HOLY SPIRIT will let us know what is “too much.” Instead, why don’t we replace some of this time with other activities…time with family, visiting a neighbor, reading the Bible, playing a game, going for a walk, praying, calling a hurting friend, or writing a card to someone in need? We can make a change in our priorities or stop a habit, but be sure to replace or fill it with something good…something godly…something pleasing to THE LORD.
Now on a more personal level: One day, an older godly friend said to me, “It sounds like you have a lot of fear.” Wow! After my initial reaction of feeling like I’d been slapped in the face, I realized that she was right! I do have a lot of fear. I’d love to sing, but I’m afraid my voice would crack or sound funny. THE LORD gave me thoughts to share at church, but I’m afraid of speaking in front of a crowd. I need to tell my friend that they are going down the wrong path, but I’m afraid I’ll hurt their feelings or make them mad.
How can we handle these fears? What do we need to do? JESUS reminds us in Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Does that sound too simple? It is that simple! When THE LORD tells us to do something, let’s just do it. Instead of making excuses or arguing with GOD, how about saying, “Ok, LORD, with YOUR help, I will do it. YOU know I am fearful about this, but I will do it, knowing YOU are right beside me.”
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Challenge:
* Write Bible verses about fear on small cards. Keep some in your wallet, car, purse, and house. These will remind you of “The Power” you have living inside of you. Here’s a few: Luke 1:37, 1 Peter 5:7, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:19, 2 Peter 1:3, 2 Timothy 1:7, Joshua 1:8 & 9.
Dear LORD, please forgive me for being fearful. I don’t want to live my life in fear and dread. I want to enjoy the “abundant” life that YOU have blessed me with, thankful for the opportunities to be able to do something for YOU. If YOU have asked me to do it, I trust that YOU have also equipped me. Thank YOU, LORD!
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Jason and Monica Henley-Kritz live in the beautiful mountains of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, nestled near the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Jason is the owner of Joyful Noise Vintage Audio & Electronics, where he repairs, rebuilds and restores vintage electronics. Monica is the owner of Monica’s Music Studio, where she teaches piano and music theory lessons. Jason and Monica were married in 2007, and they give GOD all the glory for any accomplishments in their lives.
Contact Monica with questions about the books or to order hard copies.
Email: monicasmusicstudio@gmail.com
Phone: 1 828 765 8789 ( Leave a message )
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