Remembering Not to Fear

A while back, Facebook initiated the practice of giving us glimpses of posts from years ago.  I usually enjoy seeing these, though I rarely re-post them.  I am content to reminisce and move on.

Tonight though, something from 2007 caught my eye.  I hadn't started this blog yet, I had barely ventured away from MySpace (yes!  I had one!), but Facebook had a Notes feature--do they still have this?  I don't know. So many changes in the social media world in the last 7 or 8 years.  Anyway, I had a minor breakthrough and had to shout it from the rooftops, or post it in a note on Facebook.  Same effect, right?  

Here is the note in its entirety.  I was less wordy in those days I guess.

to fear or not to fear

September 8, 2007 at 6:40pm

When something happens that is obviously a scare tactic of the devil, I usually run and hide. I have dreams and panic attacks, and I am generally unsettled inside for days or even weeks. The spirit of fear has had a chokehold on me for most of my life. I know in my head that it's the devil, and I know in my head that God is in control. Knowing something in your head is not the same as knowing it in your heart, though.

Earlier this week something happened that really upset me. Immediately, I knew it was an attack and an attempt to scare me and it made me MAD! For the first time, my first thought wasn't one of fear and panic. My first thought was "no weapon that is formed against me shall prosper." (Isaiah 54:17)

That day for the first time, I knew in my heart that it was a fear tactic! I suddenly knew that the devil had no power over me because I am a blood-bought child of God. Thank you, Jesus! Thank you that every tongue that accuses me you will condemn! Today, You have opened the eyes of my heart and allowed me to see the truth--and be FREE! Darkness cannot last in the presence of the Light of the World. Fear has been exposed, and is now defeated.

Today, eight years later, I'm thankful for victories both large and small. Although, is any victory really small when it's yours?  This impacted me so much I had to share it with the world, even though I don't even remember what it was that upset me so much.  It doesn't matter.  God used it to open my eyes to a spiritual truth that had long evaded me. 

I still get afraid at times, but I turned a corner that day. I respond to it differently these days.  I know God's promises, like the ones in Psalm 91, are true. I choose to stand on them.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”  Psalm 91:1,2. NASB