At Peace

I had this incredible sense of fear sweep over me the other day. I listen to the news. I watch mostly Fox News Network. Daily it is reported that there is another natural disaster...actually it is more like every few hours it seems. There are more wars, more rockets shot off, more bombs, shootings...there is more violence in the schools, malls, and streets.

Fear gripped me. Not only do I have to bring my young sons up in such a violent world but also how will I be able to afford it? Gas prices are horrible and because of them being so high, food prices are getting worse. Prices of everything are increasing. My mind and heart become overwhelmed.

I picture Jesse's sweet smile and sparkling blue eyes. I hear Caleb's voice in my head telling me all of his political aspirations. I fear for the future of my boys. Will they have a future? My heart aches.

Always appearing to be the hopeful mom of great faith...well it used to be easy to have faith. I wasn't faced with such harsh realities. I smile at my two young sons. Reassure them that God is still in charge of everything. Do I believe that? My head knows it but my heart, on the other hand, is crying. It cries for the mothers who lose their children in the war torn parts of the world. It cries for those who have lost loved ones due to natural disasters. It cries for dashed hopes and dreams of those dear to my heart.

Yes, God is in control. I know that. I have to stop my head from spinning in all of these negative thoughts. I pause. I weep. I cry out to God, "Lord," tears running down my cheeks, "I know you are in control. Jesus, I know that I should not fear. Father, God, please take this fear from my heart, from my soul by the power of the blood of the Lamb take it away." I sob. a wonderful sense of peace grabs my heart....my soul. Jesus is comforting my entire being. I feel His breath. He embraces me. "Thank you, Jesus," I whisper, "for your love, your power, for being You. Thank you for your strength."

I can continue on in life. I can listen to the news. Fear no longer has that stronghold on my heart and soul. Jesus has taken my fears, my heart, my soul and is holding them in His victorious hands. My God reigns. All I need to do if I begin to be fearful, is look up to Him, raise my arms, and ask for His amazing hugs of encouragement. The fear will dissipate. Our Lord Jesus does not want us to live in fear but in his perfect and satisfying love.