Sometimes I allow my circumstances to shackle me. I give too much control to the emotions of my heart and bypass the wisdom of my mind. In the end I find myself ensnared by fear and insecurity. I climb inside life's cage of difficulty, criticism, and threats and lock the door. I hand the key to its door to faithlessness. Sometimes I sit there paralyzed as if a giant lion sits outside the bars licking its chops. I do not swing, nor sing. I will not allow myself to breathe. My heart beats wildly when shadows pass across my space. Is there a storm brewing? Will I survive? Will those I love? Who will feed me, give me water?
Shadows. Unfamiliar sounds.
A health crisis. An unexpected bill. A death.
Help. It's not in horses or chariots. It's not in government and man.
Freedom.
It's not in another's advice. It's not in a self-help book.
It's not in a bottle of pills. Or more possessions.
It's in a name. Jesus. Trust. Believe.
Give Jesus my fear, anxiety, worry, and uncertainty. Receive courage. Accept grace.
Rest. Wait. Stop holding my breath. Breathe. Yield. Open my eyes and see the open door of hope. Step out of the snares and broken shackles on footsteps of faith.
Escape.
Leap from the perch of doom and gloom. Fly...on the wings as eagles, whispering His name as He lifts me up and closer to His face. Jesus. Jesus. My refuge and my help.
“We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:7-8 (italics mine)
