Freedom Columbines
God’s Word – Second Step to Freedom
When I was living in a swirl of fear, I found myself on the path of what if’s. I called it planning. I am a good planner and so this came natural for me. But this type of planning was destructive. One morning, I was getting ready for work and my thoughts were all over the place. (Which was pretty much the norm at this point.) I would start down a path of… if this happens, then I will do this, and if that happens, then I will do that and so on. The thoughts were so rapid. I then heard God say, “Suzy. your plans are really worry.” I knew immediately that it was true. But now what. I would say No to the thoughts but that didn’t stop them for long. I needed more of an arsenal,
My precious mother in-law, Callista, had taught me the power of God’s word. During my quiet time, I started writing down verses that would increase my faith. I would then insert myself into the verse.
For example:
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Increase my faith by inserting myself:
6 I will humble myself, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift me up in due time. 7 I will cast all my anxiety on him because he cares for me.
Each morning, I would recite these verses out loud. I had a handful that I would say each day. At this point, I am starting to memorize the verses. These verses became weapons. When I started to “plan” in my mind, I would say out loud, “No, I humble myself, God is lifting me up, I cast all my anxiety on Jesus because he cares for me!” Who was I to start “planning”, I humble myself, lay it all down, trust in God’s bigger plan, etc…
My “planning” trails started to get shorter and eventually stopped all together. Over time, if I start to worry about something, I immediately think “No, God is so good and I trust in Him.” I knew God was good because of my Thankful Journal and I knew I could trust in Him because of His word. I would then pray over the situation and then declare the truth. (I will blog about declarations down the road.)
Whatever it is that concerns you, God has the answer. God loves you so much, you are the apple of his eye. Ask Him, he will direct you. I promise.
Bonus:
Verses I used during my fear swirl:
I Peter 5:6
Psalm 62:5
John 8:12
Jer 32:17
Eph 1:17
Psalm 126: 2-3
Psalm 138:8
