Written by Sarah Elizabeth, guest author
I have two young guinea pigs and they are one of the biggest blessings in my life. Guinea pigs are prey animals and are frightened easily. When they are scared, my first thought is to pick them up and comfort them, but they flee from me and run towards a thin, flimsy plastic hut. I often think about my own life in relation to the life of a guinea pig; I know it sounds crazy, but stay with me.
When you are afraid, where do you turn? Friends? Family? Your house? A pet? These are all good things, but ultimately these things cannot protect us. When we are afraid, Jesus wants us to turn to him, to run into his open arms and be comforted. But what habit do we easily fall into? Running as fast as we can the other way towards whatever thin flimsy plastic hut we have constructed for ourselves.
The bible has quite a bit to say about fear. Christ doesn’t want his children to be afraid. Joshua 1:9 says “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” We have the ruler of the universe right next to us! He is infinitely more powerful than anyone and anything on this earth. 1 Peter 5:7 says “cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.” The next time you find yourself struggling with fear, give it to God, He is the divine comforter.
I love this quote from Francis Frangipane, I hope it encourages you. He says, “Beloved, I say, let your fears go, lest they make you fainthearted. Stop inspiring fear in those around you and now take your stand in faith. God has been good, and He will continue to manifest His goodness. Let us approach these days expecting to see the goodness of the Lord manifest. Let us be strong and of good courage, for the Lord will fight for us if we stand in faith.”
