When Fear Threatens to Overwhelm.

The imagery stuck with me: a looming tidal wave, threatening to overtake the minuscule surfer and board. Yet, the skilled surfer is able to surf right through the center of the wave as it rolls over the top of him.

My friend’s words became my declaration:

“That’s what I see. You may be in deep waters but you will not be overcome.”

“The Lord your God is mighty to save. I am telling you, friend, that this wave was sent for your demise but you will ride it to victory.” 

As I sat in the waiting room, I glanced over to the wall and read the truth written there, Do not be afraid. The Lord your God is with you.

After weeks of strange symptoms, a CT and an MRI, I am breathing a deep sigh of relief this morning. The latest scans were normal. Though the wave threatened to overwhelm me, I am safely resting on the shore this morning proclaiming His goodness.

I know this isn’t the only ending to this same story for others. A dear friend’s husband is facing a much different reality today. My college friend’s baby girl is rounding the year mark of treatment. My boys’ closest friends have a sister six months into her own tumultuous ride in the stormy sea of illness.

I am keenly aware of how differently this morning’s phone call with my doctor could have gone. As we sat together in his office two days ago, he quietly shared what we were looking for while I relented and allowed the impending tears to freely fall.

As I rejoice this morning, I fully recognize the battle that has been raging in the heavenlies these past few weeks.

As my sweet, warrior momma friend, Rory, reminded me the other day: Fear is a spirit straight from the pit of hell. 

The battle against fear is real. I have faced this same enemy time and again. I vividly remember it’s power as we flew over the Atlantic and the plane hit turbulence. While Dave slept calmly beside me, my entire body trembled from intense fear. Just as He met me yesterday in the MRI machine and sang His peace over me, He met me then as I cowered under the scratchy airplane blanket crying out for Him. A holy moment – a spiritual marker. He came near, He calmed my trembling with His peace.

The thing is, I am so sick of fear.

I hate the way it slips into our lives and overtakes our thoughts. I hate the way it prevents us from taking on our full identity in Christ. I hate the way it shouts lies and makes us question the Power of our God. I hate the way it causes us to stay home and desire safe living over the grand adventure of stepping out of the boat with our Savior King. I hate the way it replaces truth with doubt. I hate the way it narrows our view of eternity. I hate the way it keeps us awake at night and looms large in the darkness. I hate the way it binds us from walking in the true freedom and power and immense love of Christ.

Each morning, I’m declaring TRUTH over lies. I know fear will continue to sling darts my way, I know full well that the battle will continue. Our enemy is ruthless and he knows our weaknesses. He knows I can come unglued with an onslaught of fear. Therefore, I need to remember each and every day that I am living on a battlefield. I can’t let my prayer life or my nearness to the Lord become complacent.

Please know I realize that walking closely with God does not ensure a safe life. I fully know that we live in a broken, fallen world. Bad things happen to good people. I can’t explain or understand why. My only choice is to cling to Truth.

The sign hanging in my girls’ room is a reminder for their hearts each day and I’m proclaiming it for my own, as well.

I am HIS.

You are HIS.

Whatever battle we are face in the days ahead, we can rest in knowing He will go before us, He will stay beside us, He will never leave us. Regardless of the height of the tidal wave moving in, He will guide the surfboard directly through it. It will not overtake us.

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

The Lord is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can Man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)