Arms Full

If you had asked me a month ago if I regularly believed the lies Satan told, I would have said no. I didn't believe his lies because, can't you see? I wasn't struggling with drugs, porn, or alcohol. I hadn't taken the lies he told me about myself and made them a part of my life. I would have told you that I did not listen to lies. And I would have been lying to you.

Looking back I see now how the lies were not forced upon me. Instead they were laid out like cards on a table before me. I was not forced to read them or believe them, they were just there. Slowly I would pick up each card, read it, finger it, and hold on to it just in case it was true. The cards had just enough truth in them to be scary. I told myself that all the fears about the future, the "what ifs", really could happen and if I held onto them I would be prepared. I would not be one of those people who were caught off guard when the worst happened; I would know what to do.

But in the process of being prepared, I kept holding onto these cards. I was filling my arms and my hands with the "what ifs" and in doing so my arms became too full for the blessings from God. I could not stretch my arms out to God anymore because I had to hold onto these cards of fear and fear became a part of my life.

Most of the time I can trace my fear to a specific area that I don't trust God in. This past month God has been showing me how I have let fear control me most of my life. He's been showing me, through His word and other Christ followers, that He can handle all my fears and is worthy of my trust. I am reading scripture with new eyes and I am learning that this Bible is amazing! I mean it's GOD'S WORDS WRITTEN DOWN FOR US! Here are some of the verses that God has been using to speak truth into my life:

Psalm 139
Psalm 119:165
Colossians 3:2-3
Psalm 23
Romans 8:26-27
Psalm 121:5-8
Proverbs 3:25
Philippians 4:6-7

Slowly I am learning to let go of the cards of lies and replace them with cards of God's word. The best part about this trade is that the cards of lies were burdensome and heavy. God's word is refreshing and a guide. It is a light load and a joy to hold. What a loving God we serve!