Tuesday, December 16, 2008

And the Pendulum Swings


The tables are set.

The lights are twinkly.

But let's be real for moment, shall we?

Remember yesterday, when I walked around with a bird on my finger all day? My out look sunny and my disposition light?

Well, I'm still full of anticipation, except today I am aware that I also carry great fear. 

Often irrational fear. 

I have written about major fears in my life on this blog before. Fear of failure, fear of change, fear of being out of control, the list goes on...

Some times the fear is reasonable, but many times the fear is unfounded. For instance this Sunday in church when, all of a sudden, I was racked with anxiety. Or this morning, as I kissed The Mister and he drove off into the foggy morning, and my mind went to the fear gutter.

Instead of praying about my fear I chose to let my imagination make it worse: What would I do without him? How would I get my life in order? Where would I live?

Suddenly an audible voice inside my head said: STOP!

Whew! Thank you Jesus. Chasing my thoughts is exhausting.

Tonight I will give a 15 minute devotion on Luke 1:46-55: Mary's Magnificat.  I love this short piece of scripture because Mary's song can be our song. Should we choose to sing it.

It's a song of the past that rings true in the present, and gives us great hope for the future. It's a song of praise to God who reigns in heaven on earth, who has been (and will be) true to His Word. 

This song is the antithesis of fear. It's a focus on God and His love in a time that was certain to be difficult. If there was any reason to fear in the life of this young woman, it would have been in this time. But scripture says she didn't fear (vs. 38), because God was in control. 

In the verse just before Mary's song, we read these words twice : Be not afraid. (Vs. 13 and 30)

This morning as I bustle around trying to make everything "just so" (which is what I do when I'm afraid), God is reminding me that I don't have to be afraid. 

So, the tables are set, the lights are twinkly, and God is in control.

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour." - Luke 1:46-47

La Vida Dulce!

8 comments:

Deidre said...

Oh, I just love this post! Confirmation that God is present and in control of every aspect of our lives! Thank you!

Allison said...

What a beautiful post of reflection! Thanks for that!

Tanya said...

Good thoughts.

Carrie and Jim said...

Well said. I have missed reading your blog. I dealt with anxiety this summer and think it will always be a struggle for me (the enemy knows he can uses this area in my life.)Thank you for your words, how encouarging they are.

mer@lifeat7000feet said...

Sadly, I have similar fear issues. This post was good for me to read tonight.

How did your devo go?

Blue Skies said...

Thank you Kellie. You have always had a knack for speaking to my own hidden fears.

Tiffani said...

wonderful perspective, my friend!

Musings of a Housewife said...

I get these irrational fears too. Sometimes I just FEEL fearful for NO reason. It's been happening A LOT lately. I guess it's anxiety? My stomach gets all fluttery, and sometimes my body gets cold. It's so freaky. I guess I need to take a lesson from you and pray and quote scripture. Thanks for sharing! I'm glad to know I'm not alone.