“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, KJV
Only a few days had passed since our home was invaded and I was still suffering the psychological aftershocks of the intrusion. Stepping outside to sweep the porch, broom in one hand, alarm panic button in the other, my eyes scoured the woods surrounding our home.
Was I being watched? Would the intruders return? Would my life ever get back to normal?
Was I being watched? Would the intruders return? Would my life ever get back to normal?
Shortly, I heard loud, disturbing thuds coming from inside the house, followed by the sounds of our daughter’s high-pitched cries and her feet pounding through the kitchen. As she swung open the storm door, I simultaneously hit the panic button, sending siren screams throughout our sleepy neighborhood.
Breathlessly, my daughter shouted, “Mommy, Mommy, the washing machine is bumping!”
I stood there―heart pounding, siren screaming, wanting to laugh, wanting to cry. The predators had left remnants of fear in their wake. They had stolen something far more valuable than possessions. They had stolen my peace.
Breathlessly, my daughter shouted, “Mommy, Mommy, the washing machine is bumping!”
I stood there―heart pounding, siren screaming, wanting to laugh, wanting to cry. The predators had left remnants of fear in their wake. They had stolen something far more valuable than possessions. They had stolen my peace.
Peace. We do not realize its value until we no longer possess it.
As easy as it is to justify, I was walking contrary to scripture―living in a spirit of fear. Sound mind? I suppose it left, hand in hand with peace.
Fear initiates irrational responses to our circumstances, and sometimes an irrational antidote is required. For me, the spin cycle of the washer jolted me back into reality―the reality that God will never leave me or forsake me, that he has promised me peace in the midst of my crises.
Are you being watched? Yes.
Will the intruder return? Yes.
Will your life ever get back to normal? Yes. But, not until you take back what belongs to you.
It’s time to put down the panic button, pick up the sword of the Word, and stand firm on its promises. Then, with your shield of faith, resist the enemy’s schemes. The enemy can take your peace only when you hand it over to him.
Walk hand in hand with peace; fear and worry will flee.
As easy as it is to justify, I was walking contrary to scripture―living in a spirit of fear. Sound mind? I suppose it left, hand in hand with peace.
Fear initiates irrational responses to our circumstances, and sometimes an irrational antidote is required. For me, the spin cycle of the washer jolted me back into reality―the reality that God will never leave me or forsake me, that he has promised me peace in the midst of my crises.
Are you being watched? Yes.
Will the intruder return? Yes.
Will your life ever get back to normal? Yes. But, not until you take back what belongs to you.
It’s time to put down the panic button, pick up the sword of the Word, and stand firm on its promises. Then, with your shield of faith, resist the enemy’s schemes. The enemy can take your peace only when you hand it over to him.
Walk hand in hand with peace; fear and worry will flee.
