Today's Haiku

As trouble floods in

God will keep me in His hands

There’s no need to fear

Growing Together

Sometimes I think fear ties God’s hands because we show we do not trust God. By fear, I mean fear that is out of control. I mean fear that we do not ask God to handle. I mean fear that we hang onto and fully feel without letting it go.

When I say, “Tie God’s hands,” I am saying we put ourselves in a position to not be able to receive what God is giving to us. Our prayer may have already been answered but we cannot receive.

What are you afraid of right now?

Are you concerned about the environment? Perhaps you live in Australia and fear losing your home, your possessions, your livelihood, or even your life. Perhaps you live in Puerto Rico and fear another earthquake.

Are you afraid the United States and Iran will go to war against each other?

What does God say?

Isaiah 41:10 (King James Version)

“Fear thou not, for I am with thee [you]: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea [yes], I will help thee; yea [yes] I will uphold thee [you] with the right hand of my righteousness.”

God does not want us to be afraid, disillusioned, anxious, or panicked.

God wants us to receive the strength He provides.

It is okay to feel emotions of fear, anxiety, etc. But we should not hang onto them. We need to give the emotions to God. We need to give God the situation. Maybe God must fix our mess. Maybe God wants us to do something ourselves. The point is, we must have faith and trust God so we can receive His perfect peace while we are in peril. We must have faith and trust God so we can receive the answer to prayer.

Will you join me today?

What will you do the next time you feel sad, anxious, frightened, or disillusioned?

Will you choose to give God your troubles and cares today?

Will you choose to put your faith in God and trust Him to provide solutions to your problems?

Will you choose to trust God and receive His righteousness today?

Wintley Phipps performing "No Need to Fear." Video credit Maranatha Volunteers International.