“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV) / Pixabay
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”!
Hi! (My old roommate)
I love your words, your thoughts, and your desire to accomplish more in this retirement time of your life. I just found this and I must say, I am fascinated. I am in need of my own peace and fear has moved in on me. I want to face it, address it better and remove it. Thanks for your blog. Look forward to reading more.
God bless you! Facing our fears isn’t easy but the first necessary step to kicking them out! I’ve had a summer of some discovery and I’m hoping I’m moving closer to not letting fear be my first reaction to the adventures of life! Let’s pray for each other to keep the “eviction” going! Thank you so much for your comments! Let’s get together! Cindy
I love the strength and clarity of intent in your writing, here. Evicting Fear is not an easy job.
Not an easy job at all, Jerimi especially since he’s been hanging out for a VERY long time! With God’s help I hope to continue to become more courageous. Thank you for stopping by, Cindy
I love how you wrote, “The eviction notice has been served!”
You are not alone. I too struggle with fear. What will people think of me? Voices of doubt about my ability as a writer often flood my mind and keep me from pursuing God’s path for me. Thank you for this encouraging post!
I am definitely a work in progress Debbie, but I want to move forward in the “eviction process”. I worry about how my fear keeps me from God’s path, too. I know In my heart I have missed opportunities He had for me that I let my fear keep me from. Let’s both kick ole fear to the curb! I so appreciate your kind words, Cindy
Great analogy – such good words and encouragement- thank you!
Bless you Tracey! I appreciate you taking the time to stop in and for your generous words, Cindy
I fear and worry much more than I should. I pray for guidance daily. My daughter reminds me daily to have more faith.
You have a way with words, lady! Great message!
You are not alone Liz! And you’re right, it is a faith issue which makes me want to change it even more! Thank you for your sweet words, Cindy
Really good article Cindy ? Such a great introduction to your unwelcome guest. My guest stayed 2 years to long!!!!! I learned you have to step out of the boat and that step of faith releases the power of God, but it takes that first step……and oh what a gigantic step it is…..stretches you to the limit! You will conquer cause “greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world”. Love your writings. ❤️
Thank you for the encouragement Caron! You are a witness to me and I’m so thankful for your testimonies! I so appreciate your kind words, Cindy
Cindy, I am thankful for your post. God used it to reiterate the fact that I do have a say in the place fear inhabits in my life. Thank you.
It has taken me a long time to realize the effect living with fear has had on my life! This summer has been one of discovery! I need to remind myself too that fear doesn’t have to live here anymore! I so appreciate your kind words, Esther! Thank you for taking your time to comment! Cindy
I’m definitely familiar with that unwelcome guest too! I agree, we need to kick him out! I love the creative way you’ve put together this post and I’m glad you were able to fight through the fear to go and meet with other writers. I hope it was encouraging for you!
Well you give me too much credit Lesley, I didn’t go to the meeting but it made me so disappointed that I think I’ve turned a corner. I hope so anyway and I want to go the next time they meet. This has been a summer of realization for me about how fear has held me back. I hope that I will listen to God’s leading and depend on him! Thank you for taking the time to comment. Have a great weekend, Cindy