Two years ago my friend Desiree invited me to read the bible in one year (along with several other sweet sisters). It was the continuation of something good that God had started in my life a few years earlier, so I jumped at the chance to delve into scripture with a group of ladies who were just as hungry as I. It was a great experience. Some of us really got to know each other on a deeper level — all because Desiree allowed God to use her.
We’re reading the bible in a year again, but I admit that I fell behind. Though I was reading most days, I just somehow forgot to read the “scheduled” scriptures on the weekend. For me, every routine thing stops on the weekend. I don’t get up early, don’t make coffee or breakfast, don’t walk the dog, and don’t do my hair or make up. Eventually, I get around to all those things, but there’s no sense of urgency on my part because it’s the weekend. I still read the word of God each day and journal as well, but I’m not actively reading with a group right now. It’s just hard to juggle one more commitment — especially on the weekend. That mindset is what put me behind, but what I really think was at play was God’s plan. He had been gently pushing me in a couple different directions down unfamiliar paths — one that I was eager to go down and the other was (and still is) a little scary. The more I try to quell my fear with scripture, the scarier it becomes. Knowing that God didn’t give me a spirit of fear, I did everything I could to shake it, but it was still there. Finally, I heard the Spirit say You don’t trust God enough, and He revealed today’s scripture.
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit. ~Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT)
God knows that I visualize everything that I read. I imagined the strength of those old Cypress trees in the swamps of Louisiana and the Redwoods of California. Aaaah, to have roots that deep — to have hope and confidence in the Lord that is so strong that no change in life’s journey will frighten me. So, now that I have a picture of my spiritual goal firmly planted in my mind, I’ve chosen to lean in, delve deeper, and listen more intently. This fear is temporary. It has come and gone before, but this time I have a plan — one that is rooted firmly in God’s word. Some battles seem like child’s play when your roots are deep or when your faith is new and untested. What I’ve learned through this experience is that even when your roots are deep, the enemy will still do his best to uproot you. To him I say, I see you, but I shall not be moved. I have a good plan, and my Father has a perfect plan. He’s sneaky, friends. He wants to uproot you, but don’t let him. Dig deeper, pray often, and though the seasons in your life may change, never stop producing fruit. May blessings abound! <3
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Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. |
Wow! I just posted this scripture on my Facebook page yesterday because I’ve been struggling with much the same thing—fear and anxiety. I love how you talk about the need to dig into the word in order to combat Satan. Thank you for the encouragement this morning! God be with you.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your experience with me. Anxiety can be a beast, but that beast can be taught to submit. Praying for you as well! <3
Amen!
“Dig deeper, pray often.” Good words to follow!
This is timely! Thank you for the words of strength that God knew I needed to see.
This is beautiful Michelle! Funny how you wrote God knows I visualize, because as I was reading the words of the trees and their roots in the water I too was visualizing it and nodding and understanding! Wonderful. Move away from the fear. xo