The fear lurking outside and within...

After driving for hours...

I arrived at the hotel outside of Nashville to rest for the night. 
After a hot shower I immediately got into bed  with my hair still wrapped in a towel.  I couldn't wait to close my eyes and surround myself with those wonderful cloud-like pillows. It was a long day and exhausted I knew I would peacefully drift off asleep in no time. 

All was quiet, no sounds of footsteps or voices.  Allowing my body to just totally relax, I was ready for a good nights rest.  Breaking the silence I heard the sound of the doorknob turning.  I held my breath and just listened.  Again it moved! Someone was turning the knob trying to enter my room.  I heard a male voice saying softly,  "Hello."   After a minute or two, I heard a knock on another door and again another door, repeating his "Hello." 

He returned to my door and knocked again, and shouted, "Oh no! Oh no!"
This male voice was clearly becoming anxious and seemed afraid that no one was responding to his hello's.  

His voice was that of a grown man, but his plea was that of a child who was lost. 
He continued shouting in the hallway but I could not understand what he was saying.  It now seemed to be calling someone's name. 

I leaped out of bed and called the front desk to get help up to the 4th floor immediately. Knowing I had double bolted the door when I entered the room, I felt assured that no one would be able to enter my room. Between me and this unstable person was a secure door, which gave me much confidence that I would be safe in this room until someone took control of this situation. 

The door was my protection in this situation.  It stood between me and uncertain harm. I needed to stay where I was. What was happening on the other side of the door would be resolved by the proper people -  just needed to stay put. 
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Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation where you knew that you were safe as long as you stayed where you were? 

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Protecting ourselves from physical harm is a natural instinct, for at any moment we can be faced with a situation that may spiral out of control.   But having ongoing fear from day to day,  is something that we as His child should not have. God has a plan and finding calm in His plan for our lives is key. 

Isaiah he a stern warning of God's judgement against Israel's sin state (idolotry, injustice) but also preached a message of promise, a promise of salvation and restoration through a coming Messiah who would establish an eternal kingdom of peace, justice and restoration ultimately fulfilling God's plan for all of humanity.  He would send a suffering yet triumphant Redeemer to save us from sin. 

Isaiah faced objections from a sinful and wicked people, yet he was faithful to God. 
No matter what was happening he stood fast.  Take time to read Isaiah.  You may also feel ashamed, like me,  of the things in life that you should not fear.  

I know I felt myself longing to say to God, "Forgive me Lord, for the petty and unimportant things I find myself worried about, things that are out of my hands. My life is in Your hands, You have a plan for my life. Give me wisdom to follow." 

According to Jewish history, Isaiah was sawed in half suffering a horrific death. 
I stopped to dwell upon this fact for a few minutes and questioned God as to just why this man who was so faithful suffered such a fate. But it is not mine to question HIM.  When we are His child, no matter what happens in life, we know we will be assured of a heavenly home for all eternity. 

The best solution for our fear is taking hold of the fact that HIS personal and  unshakable promise to my well-being is that He will never leave me, nor forsake me.
 
I may go through a horrific trial, but my hold and grasp will be onto His nail-scarred hand. 

Lord, teach us to fear wisely.
Let us not to fear the daily small things that come our way each day. 
Give us wisdom to heed those things that will alter our walk with You and steer us away from You.  We can live confidently knowing that we belong to You. No matter when the need arises, You are there, You hear.  (Romans 8:15) 

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The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid (Hebrews 13:6). 

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