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The Fear of Falling

I have a genuine fear of falling. Three serious tumbles did that to me. So I pray over my steps now.

While touring San Diego on foot last week, we walked nearly eight miles a day. While I enjoy a good stroll, my prayer still was, “Keep my feet from slipping!” I gripped my husband’s hand along the way, fearful of tripping or embarrassing myself again. I didn’t realize how a quick glance around would cause a slight stumble off the curb! But this time the strong right hand of my man kept me from a nasty plunge. It made me think of how God’s right hand can hold me above moments of doubt, as well.

My word for 2020 is “Progress.” I long to progress in my faith, trusting Jesus more without falling into worry. These good intentions have been met with new burdens and challenges, however. Waking me in the night, luring me toward that dark hole of dread. But I have learned to turn my eyes toward Jesus at times like this. And it was then in the dark of night, He kept me from falling by bringing up a picture from the past.

It was one of my children transferring their “stuff” into my willing arms. I remember being the keeper of their valuables, from books, pencils, drawings and special toys. No one told them to hand them over. They just seemed to sense Mom took care of things for them. Their possessions were in good hands once they released them to me. And they would move on with faith those things were safe.

What a picture of surrender this is! Jesus said we should be like little children who trust with pure abandon. Why is it growing up tempts me to take things back from my Father’s hands? I surrender in moments of faith; only to take back in times of fear.

What worries plague your mind today? As a mother of adult children and grandmother of four, I’ve discovered some keys for fighting those fears.

1). Capture those troubling thoughts and replace them with truth. Find a scripture you can stand on. A promise God has made that you can claim for your situation. Some of my favorites come from Psalm 121.

“The Lord is your Keeper. The Lord will watch over your life. He will watch over your going out and your coming in. He will not let you stumble.” 

2). Open your hands toward heaven and ask the Lord to redeem what you’re carrying. Don’t hang on to things you can’t fix.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.” Philippians 4:6

3). Envision your fingers letting go as your Heavenly Father takes hold of your stuff. The Lord perfects what He keeps. Ask Him to hold in His grip everything and everyone who matters to you. He will do something greater than you ever could. God won’t lose or abuse what you entrust to Him because He’s the Keeper of the people you love and the situations you face. And that’s a promise you can take to the bank!

“Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.” I Peter 5:7

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