“The greatest shackles we bear in this life are those forged by our own fear,” Richard Paul Evans.
From the moment we are born, childhood fears begin. Some medical professions say we are born with the fear of falling. If you ask any father if he wants his child to live in fear, he would definitely say, “no,” yet many children and family members do live in fear. Perhaps we don’t realize how fearful their world can be. We forget about the playground bully of your school days or the neighbor lady who smelled funny. Or perhaps we fail to realize that they also see the news we’re watching, hear in our conversations the fear and frustration that we are feeling.
Unfortunately, our multi-media saturated society thrives on bad news, real or imagined. News that more often perpetuate our fears. Well-meaning but unhelpful messages forwarded from our friends and neighbors also influence our fears.
Try as we might to alleviate their fears, or our own fears may work for a day or two, but what about tomorrow? What about the next virus, violent protest, tornado, car accident, fire, flood, or hurricane next week, next month or next year? Even the best man or father can’t anticipate and alleviate all their fears.
Fortunately for our Heavenly Father, nothing is impossible, and that includes alleviating our greatest fears.
“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
I love how He writes, “your God, who takes hold of your right hand,” intimately holding us tightly yet tenderly. Assuring us that He understands that we’re afraid, and He will help us. Not might help us or may help us, He WILL help us.
“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me”, Psalm 23: 3-4
He faithfully walks with us through our fears, talking about our feelings, fears, and how He will protect, provide, and guide us through them. While teaching us how to share with loved ones how our faith in Him overcomes all our fears. Isn’t that the greatest message you can share with your loved ones, faith triumphs over fear every time.
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FYI: I also provide one-on-one coaching, if you would like to improve your relationships, or you want someone to talk to, e-mail me at ‘rturner@transformingfamilies.org’, and we’ll schedule a time to connect. My hope for you is that through these blogs, references, and resources, God will transform you from being bruised or broken to an abundantly blessed man.
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