According to Merriam-Webster, the word FEAR is defined as follows: to be afraid of (something or someone); to expect or worry about (something bad or unpleasant); to be afraid and worried.
According to the fabulous Merriam, the word INSECURE is defined as follows: not confident about yourself or your ability to do things well; nervous and uncomfortable; not certain to continue or be successful for a long time; not locked or well protected.
These are two words I often use to describe me when I'm challenged to do something new, to step out of my comfort zone. But when I took a good long look at these words and their definitions, I felt they didn't describe me at all! They might describe how I may feel with the unfamiliar but they certainly don't define me. In that moment I realized a critical truth -- those words are poison.
Scripture says,
"Words kill, words give life;Words which tear down don't have to be spoken and directed towards another human being to be lethal. Words you speak to yourself, whether a new habit or words you've heard since childhood, can be either life giving or life ending.
they’re either poison or fruit—you choose." (Pr 18:21 Msg)
Want to know what words I'm savoring now?
CHOSEN: one who is the object of choice or of divine favor; an elect person
FAVORED: given special advantages over others; preferred over others; considered most likely to win.
As a woman who follows Jesus and trusts His Word, I believe what Scripture says when it reads I am CHOSEN, called out of darkness into light (1Peter2:9). I was selected, elected. I have divine favor. How? Through baptism in Christ, I chose to leave the old life behind and go the direction of new. I was given a spirit of power and love, not fear and timidity (2Tim 1:7).
I have chosen Jesus and believe what He accomplished with His death on the Cross was for me...and you. And because I believe in His Resurrection, I can confidently say nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). I believe when I choose to battle the chains of bondage of poisonous words, I am FAVORED to win.
You are too. Let us choose our words wisely.
Well said - I so agree that our feelings do not define us - we all can feel fear - but we don't have to be ruled by our emotions, especially when we KNOW that Jesus has won the victory on our behalf and has made us victorious. He is our ever present help and He is our peace - so we can choose to LET His peace rule in our hearts and we can continue to entrust ourselves to his most able care and keeping. We can speak words of life and truth instead of cowering and agreeing with fearful thoughts and words.
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