Daily Delight
After I became a Christian, I began to visualize my sins as boulders I was bound to by a chain. I was able to see my own depravity in the light of the Holy Spirit, and one of the largest boulders I saw was fear. Anxiety was the norm of my life before Christ and it was the last struggle I wanted to confront.Fear- what a tricky little thing. It sneaks into your life, finds its way into your heart, and spreads like wildfire in your soul. I had lived with a spirit of fear for many years, so beginning to break through that fear-driven life hurt. But, I knew that the Father called me to something greater.Proverbs states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (Proverbs 9:10, ESV). The word fear here refers to reverence or a deep respect for a great and awesome thing. It is good and places God on the throne of your own heart as you bow before it. The fear that I had was nowhere near this: my fear was hyperventilating in my room, anxious about situations that may or may not occur. I placed my circumstances on the throne of my heart rather than the Father. But now I know the Lord calls me to something much greater than an anxiety-filled life.In my church community, we sang words of an amazing song that gripped my heart: “Abba, I belong to you.” I remember weeping in the sanctuary, knowing for me fully belong to God, my chain to that boulder of fear needed to break. Paul wrote, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoptions as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Romans 8:15, ESV). In Christ, there is no fear. Yes, trials and tribulations will come, and no, life will not be a simple walk in the park. But our Father is right by our sides at every stumble, every heartache, every worry. Our spirit of fear is cast aside in light of Christ’s blood. When we are a part of the Heavenly Kingdom, there is no need to fear earthly circumstances.
About the Author
Rachel Schlotzhauer
Rachel is a recent college graduate from Grand Canyon University. Her passions include serving high schoolers at her local church and writing poetry. Rachel lives in Phoenix, AZ, with her family (including her three sisters).