"God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7
Some days we look at the world with eyes that shine. Sometimes we don't. Some days we laugh at life. Sometimes we cry as those who fear the worst.
Consider, for example, the following fictional character.
A man wakes up on Saturday morning delighted that he has the entire day free. Savoring a cup of coffee, he thinks about how he will spend his day. Remembering he has friends coming over for dinner and that there is nothÂing in the refrigerator, he plans a trip to the grocery store. Of course, the store is near the barber, so he might as well get his hair cut while he's out and about. Thinking about how much he needs a haircut reminds him of his mother's nagging, which reminds him that her birthday is next week and that he still hasn't picked out a card. So, he has to stop by the drugstore to get the card, which is near the shoe repair shop and the cleaners, and, come to think of it, he has to stop by both of those as well.
What he really wants is to get some exercise, which reminds him to check the playoff schedule for his favorite team, which reminds him how much his ex-wife despised sports. This reminds him that he still needs to call her lawyer, which makes him feel anxious about money, which reminds him that his credit cards are all maxed out. Suddenly his optimism about the day has evaporated — and he hasn't even left the kitchen.
His free day has degenerated into a chaos of competing requirements for his life. He wonders how life ever became so complicated. He wonders, longingly, if there is something that will pull it all together for him.
We can all relate to our imaginary friend, can't we? As we consider our future, there are days when our enthusiastic plans can easily become bogged down in a quagmire of depression, fear and apprehension. The result can be a living hell, where we are taken hostage by fear and resign ourselves to merely surviving life instead of eagerly living it to the lees. Fear is a bully, and the only sure way to not be overcome by its intimidation is to stand up to it and back it down.
The good news is that God is here to help us. He eagerly gives us a dose of his grace to back down any tormenter of fear that raises its ugly head against the knowledge of God. The truth is that God loves us and has a great future planned for us. He is ready, willing and able to see us through any situation of life. With him residing in our heart and plans, fear is unmasked for what is really is: a coward that destroys our zeal for living.
Let me tell you, when it comes to facing down the bully of fear, Jesus Christ is big enough to take care of you. So, when it comes to dealing with fear, take a lesson from the little willow branch that chooses to bend with the wind but not be overcome by it. God "in you" is greater than anything that life has to throw "at you." Get up and get on with life; it's going to be a great day.
As always, see you next week and have a great day.
Rev. Carl S. Mesiti is pastor of Niedringhaus United Methodist Church in Granite City.
