Betty’s Devotional

How to Fight Back when Fear Rages War “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom." Colossians 3:15-16a The battle began the moment I opened my eyes. Morning after morning, feelings of dread and anxiety invaded my mind. I was in the thick of my first year of teaching and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find relief from anxiety. I kept reminding myself: Fear is a liar. But its response was so loud: Things will always be this way; you will always feel this way. Day after day, I was the victim of a battle I couldn't see and felt powerless to win. New seasons of life can fuel anxiety because we're unsure of the unknown and feel incompetent in navigating new waters. Any kind of change tends to challenge our comfort zone and cause us to question who we are and what we're capable of. Thankfully, in his letter to the church at Colossae, Paul gives us a three-step battle plan that reminds us of our identity in Christ and can help us fight fear, especially in the midst of uncharted waters: "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom" (Colossians 3:15-16). 1. "Let the peace of Christ rule ..." The Greek word used for rule is brabeuō, meaning "to be an umpire." Umpires always have the last word. When we let the peace of Christ be the "umpire" in our hearts, we cling to Gospel truths that bring us peace and eject the lies. For me, this looks like carrying around a "battle book" filled with verses that target anxiety. Reading these verses out loud puts both fear and God in their rightful place. 2. "And be thankful ..." Recently, scientists have released research showing the impact thankfulness has on diminishing stress and worry. When we are in a state of anxiety, we see all the places we are lacking. However, when we thank God for even the smallest things, we acknowledge the abundance in our story. It is harder for anxiety to cloud our vision when we are frequently acknowledging the provision of God throughout our day. 3. "Admonishing each other in all wisdom ..." God has graciously given us the body of believers who possess different strengths and gifts. During those fear-ridden mornings, I would call or text a friend, and they would pray for me, encourage me, or send me a word of wisdom that carried me through my day. It's a beautiful thing to invite your tribe into your struggle and watch God fight for you through them. Friend, the Lord has equipped us to fight fear through His Word, the body of believers and through the power of Christ in us. Though anxiety may wage war for control of our minds, we can call on the name of the Prince of Peace who silences every fear. Dear God, Thank you for shredding my fears with your word and for the people around be who encourage me. Thank you for continuing to work in my life and the life of others. In Jesus name, Amen. Bonus: Making Something Out of Nothing “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever” (Eph 3:20–21). As a young mother, I often found it difficult to find time for a devotional with God. When it came to my relationship with God, I found myself believing that I would have to sustain it on my own. I hadn’t realized that while I thought I’d been upholding our relationship in the past, it was God doing the work in me all along—in His strength, my weakness was made perfect. I believe in a God who specializes in making something out of nothing. When I carve out a moment to come to Him now, I know it will never be enough. But I come in faith, trusting that He will multiply the little time I have and provide me with enough nourishment for that moment, with some to spare. Praying you are safe and well. Pray for those who need help and those who help them. Hope to see you soon. Betty