I’ve been taking your burdens (shared in yesterday’s comments) to the Cross praying that Christ’ power will resurrect, renew and restore the pain and suffering you are facing. Jesus is faithful and able to bring beauty from the ashes. I am praying that when we can’t see His hand or understand His plans, we will always trust His heart.
We’re living in troubled times. One of my good friends’ moms is battling aggressive cancer. Another good friend and mom of three young children found out her cancer has spread to her liver. Another friend found out her daughter has an eating disorder. Another one’s husband lost his job. Yet in the midst of it all, I am hearing amazing stories of God making a way where there was no way.
In the midst of troubled times, God never wants our concerns to take us captive and hold us in a prison of worry and fear. Fear and worry go together. When something happens that frightens us, we’ll often start thinking about the worst thing that could possibly happen next What if this happens? What if that happens?
“What if” – an oh so familiar phrase that cracks the door open in our thoughts, letting worry creep in quietly by creating scenarios that may or may not happen. And if we’re not careful, “what if” will hold us hostage to tomorrow’s troubles. So what do we do with worries that wage war in our minds, and become weapons the enemy uses to steal, kill and destroy our peace?
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
The truth is, we will either take our thoughts captive or be held captive by them!
Please read that again. I know what it’s like to be held captive. I lived in a prison of fear and worry for over 20 years and didn’t even know it. I thought being worried and afraid was normal. Now I know I told you yesterday it must benormal since God tells us not to be afraid so many times, but hear me now, being held hostage by fear is not! Fear will hold you asprisoner of war, and you’ll become MIA (missing in action)! But there is a key to unlock the door of prisons built by fear and worry – that key is TRUTH – truth will set us free!
“You will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free.” John 8:32
The first step towards finding freedom for me was getting to know Jesus, God’s living Truth. Not just knowing about Him, but really knowing Him and letting Him know me. I spent time with Him reading God’s written Truth. I wrote down my thoughts and compared them to His. I prayed that God would change the way I thought and make me able to recognize Satan’s lies. I became familiar with God’s voice so I could know if my thoughts (or worries) matched His. I reminded myself again and again that Jesus came to give me life to the full but there was an enemy who wanted to steal, kill and destroy my life. He liked me better as a prisoner.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”Galatians 5:1
It’s time for us to decide that we will no longer be held captive, but with God’s truth we will take our thoughts captive and break free from worry! Let’s use the sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) and fight for the freedom that is ours in Christ! Let’s hold our thoughts up to Truth and make them obedient to Christ, then toss in any false evidence that appears real into the outfield (see yesterday’s post) when trials and troubles come our way.
Are you with me friends? Here are some truths to start with:
- “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” Isaiah 43:1-2
- “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19
- God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
- “The LORD will surely comfort (you) and will look with compassion on all (your) ruins; he will make (your) deserts like Eden, (your) wastelands like the garden of the LORD.” Isaiah 51:3
- “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands.” Psalm 138:8
- “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
- Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. Psalm 107:28
My friend Micca’s new book was just released so I’m giving a copy away to tie in with this week’s posts. It’s called, “An Untroubled Heart: Finding Faith that is Greater than all My Fears“ an d it’s really powerful! For a chance to win, leave a comment under today’s post and for extra chances leave one under any of this week’s posts. Be sure to include your email so I can contact you if you win.
UPDATE: Happy Birthday Micca! To wish her a happy birthday and for more chances to win her book, hop over to Micca’s blog where she is giving away four copies this weekend!
Copyright 2009, Renee Swope – All rights reserved.
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Renee, I am so glad I found your page. Who would have thought we would “meet” again like this? Anyway, this post is like one of those “HELLO?! I’m trying to tell you something here!” moments. GOD is trying to get me, first, to realize that I am living in a state of worry and fear – so much that it is consuming me. Secondly, I believe HE’s trying to confirm to me that HE has indeed called me to where I am. This is where the fear/insecurity starts again. How do I know I have heard the LORD and it’s not just my thoughts? The issue isn’t one directly answered in the Bible. My feelings about it are not very sturdy. It’s like I read in Exodus this morning – where GOD calls Moses and Moses goes, “Who, me?” I know I can get headstrong in what I want, so…
Thanks for your post. I’m saving it so I can keep going back to it.
Julie Wetmore
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Today I have seen the verse from Jeremiah 29:11 twice already. I was so worried about what’s happening to this country and what it can mean for us as a family, that I had forgotten to keep my eyes on the One really in control! Thank you for reminding us that God is our Father and Protector… we mortals need to hear it every day. Thank you!! [email protected]
Renee, I am so glad I found your page. Who would have thought we would “meet” again like this? Anyway, this post is like one of those “HELLO?! I’m trying to tell you something here!” moments. GOD is trying to get me, first, to realize that I am living in a state of worry and fear – so much that it is consuming me. Secondly, I believe HE’s trying to confirm to me that HE has indeed called me to where I am. This is where the fear/insecurity starts again. How do I know I have heard the LORD and it’s not just my thoughts? The issue isn’t one directly answered in the Bible. My feelings about it are not very sturdy. It’s like I read in Exodus this morning – where GOD calls Moses and Moses goes, “Who, me?” I know I can get headstrong in what I want, so…
Thanks for your post. I’m saving it so I can keep going back to it.
Julie Wetmore
[email protected]
Such timeless truths and so very timely for our day. So glad to see Micca’s book ready for reading. ~ Julie @ [email protected]
Thank you! I praise God that he has given people like you to speak to us with words of encouragement to help and guide us. We need to run to the foot of the cross and lay our fears/anxieties down. What a burden we carry when we allow Satan to have a foothold on us. It’s true, fear can really captivate you, and the first thing I think of is “Freedom in Christ”. That’s what we need to focus on as we each battle our fears/concerns/worries. Hearing songs of worship during the day has helped me to stay focused on the Lord, otherwise, I do let my mind wander. I need to remind myself the verse: “Whatever is lovely and pure, whatever is noble and true, anything excellent and worthy of praise, think upon these things”. It’s so peaceful to read these passages that give us God’s promise, especially before I fall asleep at night. What a way to end the day. And what a way to start the morning. Thank you for sharing and providing the light that God has for us.
Jenny
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Renee,
You have no idea how much I needed to read you blog today. It seems that my life has been in constant chaos for over a month now and I’m at the end of my emotional rope. I’ve written down the verses and plan on keeping them with me for the times I seem to forget that I’m not doing this alone. you can contact me through mu blog or email me @ [email protected]
Thank you for such an encouraging word, it was what i needed to hear today!!
You nailed it. I tell myself, “the more scripture you memorize, the less room for c-r-a-p there is”…I spelled it ’cause I don’t like that word… but that’s what satan’s lies are. I also visualize a sign that reads “NO VACANCY.” There is no room for satan when I have the WORD/TRUTH in my heart and mind.
Such timeless truths and so very timely for our day. So glad to see Micca’s book ready for reading. ~ Julie @ [email protected]
Thank you for including verese we can use to combat worry and fear!!!
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Worry and fear have been a part of my life since I was very young- I was held captive by it. I struggle daily, especially now with little ones, and uncertain fiancial times ahead with worries and fears of all sorts. I appreciate your thoughts and especially the verses. They are added to my scripture cards for daily reading.
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Oh my friend…I’m trying…I’m trying.
“They cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.” Psalm 107:28
Wanting to believe that right now. Just left the bedside of my Dad who became so aggresive he had to be restrained just minutes ago again today…all due to reaction of medication administered at the hospital. Renee….this isn’t a ‘what if’…it’s happening now. The distress is real.
I KNOW I shouldn’t worry, but I’m concerned for Dad, Mom…all our family. I so desperately want to be obedient to God’s Word and bring “every thought captive”…but I can’t…
Brokenhearted,
Joy
Wonderful wonderful post Renee. I am a worrywart. I know I am supposed to trust God. It’s something I pray about now with regularity. God sits on the throne and is in control of it all. What is my worrying going to do to change that? Nothing! Thanks for the reminder.
Mari Taylor
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Such a wonderful post. I struggle with this a lot. I used to have panic attacks and was always worried and scared about every little thing, even going to the store. Now I am a lot better, but I still have to remind myself to let go of fears and anxiety. I am going to print this and put it in my bible so when I feel fearful I can read these verses:) Thanks.
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Such an issue with me, that God has been working on in my heart for years (since I had my first little one). Thanks for the encouragement.
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Thanks for the post and the verses! Oh how many beautiful moments in my life have been disfigured by worry and fear. I’m learning daily to put on God’s Armor and wield the sword of the Spirit against satan and his lies!
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
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I am going to add those verses to my list of ones to memorize. Thanks for sharing!
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Ok…so worrying is something I guess I have been doing and not even realizing it. Worry..coming from an 18 year burden that has almost destroyed my marriage. Never knowing if we were going to make it.
Well,I will let you know I’m carring that burden no more. I know God forgave me a long time ago, I just needed to forgive myself.
I am work in progress, but I am not going through this alone.
Thanks for all the verses. I think I will take someones advise and write them on index cards to keep in my purse.
I forgot to leave my email address
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I just want to let you know how much your blog is helping my heart. I first saw you speak in Houston at the Girl’s Night Out. As you were giving your testimony it was like you were telling my story to a certain degree. I then found your blog and have been reading since then. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a worry wart! I worry about everything. I am trying very hard to overcome this because I don’t want my girls to be that way. We have been displaced due to hurrican Ike and I have been tested so many times in the past 6 months. I have to remind myself who is in control and things will work out in his timing. I just want you to know how much of a blessing you have been in my life. I will forever be grateful.