Fear-LESS Living... Part 2

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Today I am giving away a copy of my message on CD called "Fear-LESS, Thank-FULL." This message breaks apart 2 Timothy 1:7 and teaches how to truly live your daily life without fear. To enter simply leave a comment below.

Whenever any of my kids have a bad dream, they know they can always find safety and security by calling me near. Sometimes I'll make my way to their room and climb in bed with them. But more times than not, they want to make a pallet beside my bed. Something about mommy and daddy being "near" quiets their soul and calms their heart.

How like our Heavenly Father when we get entangled in fear as well.

A popular verse people like to quote on fear is found in Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I love this verse. But I have to be honest... this verse once troubled me. I can't just pull myself up from my bootstraps and say I won't be anxious when I am experiencing fear.

It's like a parent simply walking to the doorway of child who has had a bad dream and saying, "Don't be anxious," and then walking away. That child would not feel comforted. They don't just need the words- they also need the soothing presence of their parent as well.

That's why this verse should never be quoted outside the context by which God gave it to us. You see, there are four very powerful words that come right before the , "Do not be anxious" part.

Philippians 4:5 ends with, "The Lord is near." And because the Lord is near... we don't have to be anxious. When I put this verse in context and see that God promises to be right with me and right with those I love with the verse takes on a whole new meaning for me.

It's His PRESENCE plus His PROMISE that dispel my fears and anxious thoughts.

And we must also look at the words that are wrapped behind this verse as well. Philippians 4:8 instruct us, "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things." In other words, God instructs us to PARK OUR MINDS on that which is true and right and worthy of praise.

Oh how hard this has been for me at times. I can have such a run away mind where I focus on my fears and blow them way out of proportion. But this PARK YOUR MIND concept has been huge for me. I consciously make my mind park on God's truth.

When I feel fears start to haunt me, I start quoting all the scriptures I have memorized dealing with fear. I quote them slowly and intentionally, I claim the truths contained within, and I verbalize my belief in God out loud.

Many of you know that Holly and I run each morning together. I drive over to her house and we run the streets of her neighborhood. About a year ago, Holly heard me talk about parking your mind on God's truths and decided to record some of our favorite Scriptures on her back door... the door that her family and friends most often use when going in and out of her house.

So, each morning when I arrive for our run I see in huge bold letters, "Park Your Mind" written across her door in permanent marker. Then all kinds of Scriptures are written all over that door reminding us of God's power and God's presence.

I am convinced the more we fill our minds with God's truths, the more crowded out our fears will become.

So, is your favorite verse on fear? In the comment box below, leave your verse and the Scripture reference. And then check back later today to read through all the assurances of God's presence and promise.

Maybe make your own PARK YOUR MIND SPOT in your home. It could be a door like at Holly's house or a basket filled with index cards that you place beside your bed. Whatever works for you is great. And if you want to share your PARK YOUR MIND spot in the comments along with your verse- that would be wonderful as well.

Also, I wanted to give you a quick update on an e-mail I got from Sumi yesterday. If you didn't read yesterday's post, you can scroll down and see her story. But ladies our prayers literally carried Sumi yesterday... please keep praying.

Here is what she said, "Lysa, I went to Walmart for the first time today and it was so hard pushing the empty cart past all the aisles I had visited with Jenna and remembering all our conversations and games in the store. As I left, I thought to myself: I should be falling apart right now. But I realized that I wasn't...because of all the prayers going up for us. Truly, the prayers of others have been carrying us, and your post today enabled so many more to pray - I can feel it! So, thank you."

Truly ladies... the Lord is near... with both His presence and His promise.

And one last reminder- tomorrow is our "Swap and Hop" with an organization theme- Show or tell us about one organized thing in your house.

It will work just like the Recipe Swap and Hop from last Friday except this Friday... I HAVE GIVE AWAYS. So, be thinking about how you want to get your post ready for tomorrow.

I'll put the Mr. Linky system up tonight. Sweet Blessings Sisters!