Ever had a guest who overstayed their welcome?  I sure have. He took up residence a long time ago and then refused to leave.   Living with him camped out in my head became normal.  He planted negative thoughts in my mind as comfortably as planting his feet on the coffee table. Instead of cleaning up after himself, he enjoyed trashing my hopes and ideas. He cooked up ways to feed on my insecurities, leaving only crumbs of confidence behind. This guest unpacked, settled in, and crowded out my dreams. Maybe you’ve heard of my roommate. His name?  Fear.

It’s difficult to think about all I’ve let fear keep me from doing: meeting new people, responding to a need, experiencing adventure, following my dreams, and so much more. As recently as this past month I had the opportunity to meet with other writers who I’d never met. The invitation thrilled me and I began planning for the event. But, the closer it came, the more messages fear began leaving for me to replay over and over in my head, finally convincing me that I wasn’t really a writer, I would only make a fool of myself, and I needed to just stay home with him.  Thankfully, that’s when God reminded me Whose house I live in! I’ve finally recognized that fear, having no intention of leaving, had plopped himself down and wedged his way between God and me. (FYI: God didn’t move over to make room for him; that was all me.) Anyone else ever sat on that couch?

“There is no fear in love: true love has no room for fear, because where fear is, there is pain; and he who is not free from fear is not complete in love.” 1 John 4:18 (BBE)

If we’re going to live the greatest commandment of loving God with our whole hearts, souls, and minds, it’s time to clean house, pack up all of fear’s lies, doubts, and accusations, and send him on his way…..far away!  When we choose our roommates carefully and dwell in the house of the Lord, we have this promise:

“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

The eviction notice has been served! It may take a while to clear everything out and give this “temple” of mine a good cleansing; but I’m looking forward to a new found peace without that extra voice always butting in. So, want to join me in saying “goodbye” to fear? Now’s the time, because you know what they always say…. “Two’s company, three’s a crowd”!