Fear.
It strikes me, more harshly than any emotion. I have yet to know it's purpose. Why God? Why couldn't you have made me a braver man? Wouldn't a braver man be of more use to you?
I fear lots of things, but God I fear You most. I fear Your judgement, the pointing finger, that when You look down on me from Your place of glory, all You see is another disappointment. How appropriate it is then, that in my despair You would bring me to this word:
"He is not a mere mortal like me that I might answer him, that we might confront each other in court. If only there were someone to mediate between us, someone to remove God's rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more. Then I would speak up without fear of him, but as it now stands with me, I cannot."
Job 9:32-35
Jesus Christ.
Jesus became that mediator between me and God. I am saved, and my Savior speaks on my behalf day and night. I am spared. I have hope. I need not fear, for His love has set me free from it. Jesus Christ.
Though I do fear, God would not want a braver man. His love and power proves greater because of my fear. God wants to use me just as I am. Words cannot express how much that comforts me. Brings me joy. Brings me peace. Oh, how wide, how deep, how high, and how long is the Father's love for me?
What a grand new year this will be.
"Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD." -Ps 34:11
ReplyDelete"My Son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide in my commandments with thee so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if though criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If though seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasure, THEN shalt thought undersand the fear of the LORD and FIND THE KNOWLEDGE of God." - Pr 2:1-5
"The Fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil." - Pr 19:23
"The fear of God is the beginning of all knowledge, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." -Ps.
"In the Fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge" -Pro 14:26
It's true. We really are both growing. Read them again^^and fight against the wrong kind of fear--and listen to Eric on this! :)
I think I'll write you soon. I hope you're doing well, but I know you are--because we have everything we need, we are eternal, and we have been chosen! Yeah, we're a little more than fine!
http://www.ellerslie.com/Eric_Ludy_Sermons/Entries/2011/12/18_Fearless.html
With the LOVE from LOVE itself,
your sister!