Comfort… Coming Right Up! Er, Down!
Ever have someone tell you just what you needed to hear—without your asking?
It happened to me just a few minutes ago.
I’ve posted about my fear of publishing my very own book. I start then I stop. Start. Stop. Start. Stop. Right now, I’m stopped.
I’ve been praying about this because I know that this is what I’m supposed to do–and I want to do it! So I’ve been cuddling up to God the way I’ve posted before so that He’s the only One I see and hear, cheering me on the way He knows best. That’s when I’ve been able to start again.
This morning, a writer friend shared this on Facebook:
Say it to yourself!
Note 2 Self: No matter how afraid, indecisive, uncomfortable or anxious I am about my path, as long as I keep moving I will always make progress.
I really needed to hear that!
I didn’t expect anything more because I had already received the comfort I needed to take another step toward my goal. But when I thanked her, she comforted me even more.
All it takes is one step at a time. That’s how you get to your destination! It took me awhile to write my book. I’d be inspired one second and then once I got closer to completing it I would stop. Once I put aside my fear and anxiety over who would buy it, how would it be perceived, etc. and just finished and published it for the simple fact that it was something I set out to do, then everything else was easy. Most times the voices in our head that keep feeding us doubts and fears don’t know what they’re talking about! LOL
This is just what I’ve needed to get up, head to the office supply store, buy a pack of printer paper, and print out what I have so far.
What comfort!
Dear ones, God places people on our paths for specific reasons. Sometimes, we comfort them. Today, I was the one who needed comfort—though no one knew.
Isn’t God good? He knows just what we need even when we can’t put it into words ourselves.
Also, the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit himself speaks to God for us, even begs God for us with deep feelings that words cannot explain. (Romans 8:26)
Once He hears us, He goes into action.
I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking to me about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! (Isaiah 65:24)
Dear ones, He answered my prayers–yet again!
I pray blessings on that special person who used her passion for helping others to speak comfort and inspiration into my life just when I needed it most.
Today, someone came alongside me. And today, I come alongside you: God is listening–hang in there. Comfort’s coming right up–er, down!
Come alongside… Has this happened to you? Has someone shared with you something you needed to hear at the very moment you needed it? Scroll down and share it with us in the comments section.
Movies about Encouraging Others
Oh, God! Quick: Fight, Flight, or Freeze???
Your heart races. Stress stings your pores. Beads of sweat sneak through your skin.
You don’t know what to make of it, but it has set you on edge. Threatened. Afraid. Fearful. Uncertain. Confused. You can:
- Fight,
- Flight, or
- Freeze.
These are your body’s instinctive reactions to fear. We all have them.
Jesus’ followers felt fear—on many occasions, it was warranted. On one occasion, three disciples accompanied Jesus up a mountain. There, Jesus revealed himself—and I mean transformed himself—in such radiant light that the disciples didn’t know what to make of it. They were afraid. They heard the voice of God clearly, and they were shaken to the core.
While he (Jesus) was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified. (Matthew 17:5-6)
The disciples panicked. But don’t miss this:
Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” (Matthew 17:7)
Jesus came to his disciples. He drew near to them. Although the disciples went up the mountain with Jesus, they were still a short distance from Him. When He saw their fear, He came to them. He brought them to himself.
Even more, He touched them. Not just any touch, but a touch of comfort and strength. And His voice—not angry, annoyed, belittling, or critical—but calm.
He encouraged them: Get up. Come nearer to me. Get close. I know you’re afraid, but listen to me: There’s no need to fight. No need to flee. And no need to freeze. I’m here to encourage you—not to frighten you. I’m here to show you who I really am—and who I can be in your life, if you would only listen to me.
Look what happened next.
And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone. (Matthew 17:8)
The presence of Jesus, His touch, and His voice were the only things that reassured them enough to raise their heads again. And when they felt safe enough with Him, they looked and saw no one but Jesus himself. Jesus—Jehovah, their salvation—saved them from their fears. Jesus alone. No one else.
They were so close to Jesus that all they saw was… Jesus!
Fears were gone. The instinct to fight, flight, or freeze vanished. They were safe with Him—as they always were.
Dear one, we panic, especially when God wants to show us who He really is in our lives. God loves us. And when He urges us to listen to Him—through His word, prayer, counselors, or others—it’s only natural for our pulse to sprint off with a bang.
- We want to fight what God says.
- We want to flee in the opposite direction.
- We stiffen every muscle and freeze.
But be encouraged: God wants the best for us—and the best is in Him and through Him. He sees our fearful conditions, has compassion on us, and comes to us. No belittling, no criticizing—just Jesus. Tender. Loving. Calm. Close.
Sense His presence. Cuddle up to Him. Lift your eyes and see Him—only Him.
Fight, flight, or freeze? With Jesus, no need.
Come alongside…. What is God trying to show you? Are you afraid? Are you fighting, fleeing, or freezing up? How can you change your response to Him? Do you have an example of this from your own life? Share it with us by leaving a comment below. Remember, you can comment anonymously, if you so desire.
Resources for Dealing with Fear
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Word of the Year: 2013
For the past several years, I’ve meditated on a word for that specific year.
- One year, it was freedom.
- Another year, it was grace.
- And another year, it was trust.
For 2012, my word was GROWTH. That’s what I felt God was speaking into my spirit last year. And boy, was I ever stretched! I believe I made some progress and I have grown in many ways:
- Emotionally.
- Mentally.
- Spiritually.
- Relationally.
Thank goodness, not so much physically. 🙂 I gained a few pounds, but nothing to be overly concerned about. 😉
This year, it took me a little longer to understand what God wanted for me. After praying and reading my Bible–and talking to my husband–I believe that God wants me to be FEARLESS in 2013. So, that’s my word for this year.
I don’t know what that entails. But I look forward to releasing even some of the fears that currently have a hold in my life:
- Not measuring up as a newbie parent.
- Declining physical and mental illness.
- Dying and leaving my husband and family behind.
- Being good enough to write my own book.
I know that “God didn’t give us a spirit that makes us weak and fearful. He gave us a spirit that gives us power and love. It helps us control ourselves” (2 Timothy 1:7). For me, one of the ways I can shatter my fears is by controlling my thought-life.
The weapons I fight with are not the weapons the world uses. In fact, it is just the opposite. My weapons have the power of God to destroy the camps of the enemy…. I keep every thought under control in order to make it obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
And so… This year, by God’s love and power alone, I will control my thoughts. I will be fearless.
Come alongside….What is your word for 2013?
