Is Fear Seeping In?

 

 

I was watching a video interview in which the guest mentioned fear. I don't remember what she said because it was kind of an off-hand remark.

But it gave me pause, as I asked myself if there is anything I fear. I assumed there wasn't, because I don't think I tend to be a fearful person.

Imagine my surprise when the list I came up with, spontaneously, was literally endless! I had no idea that fear likely impacts so much of my thought.

I decided to look up fear in scripture, and it is there, in many places. We have tons of reminders in the Bible about God delivering us from fear, about trusting in God, and holding on to him as our refuge and strength.

Ask yourself if fear has seeped its way into your life, maybe without you even realizing. Remember, that in our perfect love of God, fear cannot find a home.

As you loosen the hold fear has on you, may you have less anxiety and more pure joy.

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy

 

 

Do you bounce around?

 

 

I was searching the internet to figure out how to do something, when I became distracted and HAD to click on a video about how marshmallows are made.

Is it just me?

I've always been a curious person, so unimportant information like that is right up my alley. Now don't ask me what gives marshmallows their bounce (something they covered in the video), because I typically don't retain useless information very long.

And in case you care, just the other day I came across a video about how to bake marshmallows so they get crispy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside.

Maybe I'm just hopeless.

I'm often frustrated by distractions that land right in front of me. It takes a lot of determination to stay focused in prayer and spiritual reading for instance--even with an actual book at hand. It's so hard to resist the temptation to move on to something else.

But then, there are those occasions when I get lost in contemplation--say, maybe for an hour or so. Those are the richest, most satisfying and meaningful times. I love resting with my questions and listening to God's promptings. Our intentional times together really give me a sense of being connected to God.

How do I go from marshmallows to deep thought? I'm not really sure, but I just go with it. Of course, sticking with prayer and devotional reading is much more beneficial to me overall.

What I have learned, is that I can't force myself into one space or another. There are times, I suppose, when I just need some down time, and other times when I need some deep time.

I take whatever I get. The important thing, however, is that we have good balance. If we ignore our spiritual life altogether, we become just an empty shell holding useless information.

We should make sure we always offer God quiet space for him to work in us. Without doing so, we simply will bounce around like marshmallows, from one useless thing to another.

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy

 

 

 

Designed by God

 

 

 

I was observing our tall maple trees after our snowstorm and I noticed that one side of the tree had snow resting on its branches, but snow had not landed on the trunk facing the other side.

For a minute I thought I could deduce the direction the storm came from (the side that held the snow on its branches), until, duh, I realized that the trunk had nothing in its makeup for the snow to rest on.

I started thinking about how we are perfectly designed, like the  branches, to receive whatever God offers.

I'm sure if I thought this through more, I would be able to see that the snow on the branches adds beauty to the tree, as God makes our life beautiful as well.

And the still snow is a reminder of the activity that has taken place--even when we are at rest or not paying attention--deep within our hearts.

God is always pouring out his love on us. The Holy Spirit is always active in our lives, even when we don't perceive it.

Where have you seen evidence of the Holy Spirit working in your life?

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy