Monday, March 8, 2010

Monday Morning Musings

Words can convey emotions in such a profound way for each of us. Take the word Fear-it can represent such a variety of feelings in our lives. Have you battled with fear? I have, throughout my life, centered around different things. Fear of rejection hovered around me during childhood; while in college, being in dangerous settings, I experienced paralyzing fear that kept me from fleeing to safety. After the '89 Loma Prieta earthquake I experienced Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome on a small level but had great anxiety for approximately 8 mos. There are those folks that don't ever fear much and if they do they certainly don't talk about it. For many, there is a fear of loneliness, of financial despair, loss of loved ones and as we age, we often fear the end of days or sickness. Fear may start out like a small shadow but can build and build until it is overwhelming, suffocating a person. When I worked in a bank and was robbed I dealt with fear during and after that day. When we moved cross country in the winter and saw semi's jack-knifing around our vehicles, I remember being fearful. I also remember always crying out to Jesus to save me. He has never let me down!
So when I am overcome with fear I run to God's word and I can tell you that it helps.
Psalm 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!".
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper,
And from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with His pinion,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
A thousand my fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not approach you.
You will only look on with your eyes,
And see the recompense of the wicked.
For you have made the Lord, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.
No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.
For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways.
They will bear you up in their hands,
Lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.

Because he has loved Me therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
He will call upon Me, and I will answer him.
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
And let him behold My salvation.

Today if the storms of life are threatening to overtake you, run-don't walk-to the Lord and to His word and you will find security there in His presence.

Have a blessed day dear friends.
Noreen

12 comments:

  1. I use to be afraid a lot when I was much younger, and there are things I fear like any mother/grandmother, when the kids are out and about.
    But in these last few years I have become less fearful, or should I say I don't worry about things as much as I did. I have come to a place where I know God has it, good or bad, and whatever the outcome...it is still his.
    Don't get me wrong, there are times when I nearly jump out of my skin, like some driver not paying attention who nearly hits me head on...but like you...I go to God. He is my shelter, my rock, the one who calms my fears. Praise God we have HIM to turn too.

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  2. Good morning, lovely Nor! What a great section of scripture to read at the beginning of the week!!

    We who are His truly have nothing to fear, do we? I have been finding such peace on so many different levels by confessing any fears I might have and letting the Lord bathe me in His strength and peace. What an incredible blessing!! What an amazing God!!

    Love you gal! I'll email in a bit!
    Beck

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  3. Wow! I was sitting here this morning preparing for my ladies' bible study. I facilitate the group. This week we are talking about the emotions of fear, anger, depression, and anxiety.

    Thanks for sharing these words of encouragement to many.

    Blessings

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  4. Thanks for the words of encouragement. I always feel such comfort of peace and joy when I stop in and visit. Thank you for that.

    Blessings & Hugs
    Janet Cowan

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  5. This was soo good and of course so timely for me. I dealt with this so much when I was younger, that I honestly thought it was in my past. But even realizing that it is not is not worrying me this morning. I do run and hide in Him. He IS my hiding place and He always delivers me...I have asked that He take every thought captive that is not from Him and toss it from me, and praise God He is...Have a wonderful day Noreen, and thank you for post this. I love that psalm as well. Such a good one. Hugs, Debbie

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  6. I cling to this verse often. I understand fears and I, only by the grace of God, understand freedom from fear.

    Thank you for your comment and love. I'm believing for October to meet you in Denver as we fly together to the retreat.

    Hugs and prayers,

    Tiffany

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  7. oh no, poor you having to go through a robbery. But yes I echo rose's comment, no matter what I've been through in life God has always been my rock, that's one of my favourite verses :-)

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  8. Hi dear sister,

    Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Psalm 91 is a passage I walk with for a long time and I find great comfort and strength in His Word.

    Fear? I could write a book just on that so I totally understand that.

    I wanted to stop by now that I'm merging back online to say I've received your messages and I continue to pray for your health and other areas. Stay encouraged in knowing the LORD is covering you and He is hearing your prayers and He knows your needs and His divine touch is upon your life and that of your family.

    Keep standing in Him. Love you much and I pray to see you in October.

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  9. What a wonderful Psalm to meditate on anytime ... one that gives joy and strength and freedom from fear, knowing that God is over all and His everlasting arms are underneath me in every circumstance of life!

    Thanks for the wisdom shared from your heart and your personal experience :o)

    Blessings as your week gets underway and His will for you unfolds ...

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  10. Hi Sweetie Noreen,
    How are you??? What a truly great post, that is one of my very favorite psalms. It brings such comfort and peace, especially for the days we are living in.
    Hope you are doing well my friend
    Have a delightful day,
    Love and Blessings, Nellie

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  11. ((Noreen)))
    Great Scripture....
    I have this scripture taped to every door in our house! I heard a teacher share that a whole company in WW2 carried psalms91 into battle and not one was lost. I just recently wrote it out to my Nephew in a little card and am sending it along with hig Funny Bones, Chips and Candy in his package to Afganistan. I speak this portion of scripture through my house and over my family and dear friends often.
    Hugs Dear Friend,
    Ella

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