“I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 (NLT)
In The Bag
Many years ago, I found myself with a group of fifth graders and their teachers at Environmental Camp. It was something this “stay inside, comfort zone loving, faint-hearted” girl was not at all prepared for and much to my dismay, my fun-loving, push-the-limit supervisors were very much aware of it! Even so, challenges were met, tasks accomplished, and conditions endured that I never thought possible. But, the real test came with the arrival of a canvas bag!
Being placed in the front row, should have alerted me that something was amiss. While the students listened attentively to the presenter standing in front me, I scarcely heard a word. Instead, my eyes were fixed on the large, squirming canvas bag that lay at his feet. The longer I sat and stared, the faster my heart beat, the more difficult it felt to catch my breath, and as the guest began to untie the rope that held the twitching bag closed, I wanted nothing more than to escape; but there I was, face to face with fear!
As you might have guessed by now, the Herpetologist had pulled an enormous Boa Constrictor from the sack. As he spoke about the winding creature he held; he moved so that he strategically stood where the reptile and I were literally cheek to scaly cheek. My stomach in knots, beads of sweat on my forehead, and screams building in my throat, I sat frozen in my chair. Hearing snickers from the back of the room and feeling all eyes on me, I was determined not to give those who plotted this plan, the satisfaction of seeing fear get the best of me!
Truth be told, this wasn’t the first time I’d been consumed by fear, and sadly, it wasn’t the last, either. Fear has camped out with me for as long as I can remember. It’s difficult to think about the many times being afraid has kept me frozen not just in my chair, but in life. Maybe you can relate. How many times have we let fear wrap around and hold us back from meeting new people, responding to a need, experiencing adventure, following our dreams, and so much more? And now? We find ourselves sitting face to face with a time when every newscast, case update, restriction, symptom, and distanced day leaves us open to fear slithering in, making our new found, smaller lives feel even more constricted.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t like dwelling in small, tight places, however, when we’re in fear’s grip, it can feel as if there’s no room for anything else. And guess what? Feeling confined and believing there’s no way out is all part of the serpent’s plan! BUT…here’s what I’m learning: Fear can’t trap us because we have an Escape, One who is with us always, and wants the best for you and me!
“When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.” Psalm 118:5-6 (NIV)
When we fix our eyes on God and lay our fears at His feet, He not only frees us from their grasp, but He also brings us into a “spacious place”. A place where our hearts beat to the rhythm of His peace, we can breathe deeply in His Spirit, and where with his help, we can finally put our fears back “in the bag” where they belong!
I was honored to write this post as part of a series called “Praying Big Prayers to Our Amazing God” at http://www.faithfullyfollowingministries.org
Each post in the series is based on a prayer prompt from the new book “#Instaprayer” by Kelly O’Dell Stanley. I encourage you to click over for 14 days of insight and encouragement!
I hope you know how much I appreciate you and the fact that you take time from your busy day to stop in here! God Bless Each You!
Thanks for sharing, Cindy! I love that verse from the Psalms. I, too, over the years have been gripped by fear. Thankfully, the Lord has shown me some of those spacious places and I am gratefully choosing to dwell there more than in fear. Blessings on your week!
I love that verse too Pam! I am really working to choose trust over fear. Fear is exhausting and I know I’m not supposed to live that way. I love how you said, “gratefully choosing”! That’s exactly what I want to do too! Thank you for taking your time to stop in. You are a blessing to me!