A Constant State of Fear!Yup, some people are literally in a constant state of fear. They feel paralyzed. With all that's happening in our nation and in our world, they're afraid to do much of anything these days. In my lifetime I don't ever remember seeing this happen to so many on such a wide scale. There are so many questions. How did we get into all this mess? What about my job and my family? And even more frightening, what about my finances? How can you not be in a state of fear when your finances are all over the place? The very first and best thing to do is to CALM DOWN. Yes, things are complicated and messy. But staying calm will help you focus and that's exactly what we all need. FOCUS. Do you remember when your relationship with Christ was new and fresh? Do you remember how you just knew that God was not only taking care of you, but you could almost see Him smiling down at you? There's great news! He never left. He's in the exact same place as He was before, waiting to see how long it's going to take for you to look UP. Back when your relationship was new, I bet you spent time focusing on God, worshiping God, and loving all the great stuff God was doing in your life. What happened? Those Powerful StonesI love the story of David in the Bible. David was awesome. If anyone was facing giants in his life, it was David. If ever there was a reason to lose focus and be afraid! If ever there was a reason to wonder if God was gonna help! 
David was about to be beaten within an inch of his life and yet he did something that MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.... He refused to acknowledge that the giant standing right in front of him was bigger or stronger than his GOD. Instead, he told of how God helped him in the past. He told of the victories he had with God at his side. He even looked right up at this uber giant and said, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel." OK, so perhaps the part about the carcasses is a little impractical today, but you get the idea. And, of course, David looked past fear itself, never lost his focus and he slayed the giant. So how do you regain your focus on the right things so you can come out of your state of fear? Spend some time with God in prayer. Ask God for help. Start listening to God's leading so you start doing the right things to get you out of the mess. There is help waiting for you. Just pray and ask for it. Don't forget to worship God. Praise and worship are the things that open the door for God to work. Instead of complaining, which we all excel at, spend your time thanking and praising God for your blessings. You will feel better and God will honor your efforts. Instead, read powerful, uplifting books and watch great movies. Here is one that I absolutely love and recommend to anyone who is struggling. It's called, "Facing the Giants". I've given this movie to several of my friends and family who have found themselves going through difficult times. It can be life changing if you let it. Yes, you can live in a constant state of fear. Or, you can decide to take control, give your deepest fears to God and let Him lead you out. You decide.
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