Musings

In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
—Psalm 4:8 ESV

Fear gripped my throat with his strong hand and squeezed. “You’re not safe,” he hissed. My heart pounded, and I felt sick. “Oh, Lord,” I prayed, “You are my stronghold! In peace, I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone make me dwell in safety!” As I remembered God’s promises, I felt His presence and power. Fear loosened his grasp, and I could breathe.

Unfortunately, fear was my constant companion when I was young, especially at night. Every sound flooded my body with adrenaline. When I lay in bed, I prepared to run or defend myself. I always had a night light on, and I looked under my bed and inside my closet before trying to sleep. Regrettably, this isn’t something I outgrew until I was in my forties. However, this irrational fear lay dormant as an adult until my husband was out of town. Then, I was on high alert and felt vulnerable and powerless. I feared a break-in and anything else that could happen at the hands of a criminal. No, I did not live in a war zone or the Wild West. Yes, it was unlikely someone would break into the house. There was no logical reason to believe anything bad would happen. Quite the opposite, we lived in a safe, rural neighborhood in southern Maine. The violent crime rate was low (almost non-existent), and the house was locked and secure. We even had a large Labrador named Champ (although he lacked guard dog instincts and would gladly let anyone with a treat enter the house.)

So, why was I afraid? Because my mind and body were conditioned by experience. I was on high alert at all times because my circumstances were unstable when I was a child. My fear may not have been rational, even then, but it was likely that something bad could happen because my father was an alcoholic. (Anyone who has endured this reality can relate to the eggshell existence of never knowing what will happen but expecting the worst.) Because of this, I believed things like, “You are not safe and never will be. Something bad could happen any minute, so don’t let your guard down.” Even as a Christian, my faith in God was not enough to relieve me of fear and anxiety. It wasn’t until I chose to allow God to renew my mind that I found freedom.

Over time, I confessed the lies I had believed as God revealed them. Lies like God doesn’t care about me, or God will abandon me; I must protect myself because no one else will; I can’t relax and have peace; I am powerless.

All these beliefs contradict God’s Word. All of them are lies, and all could be replaced with beautiful, powerful truths! But I had to confess them first. I had to speak them out loud and bring them into the light. You know what? Many of them disappeared as fast as the boogie man under my bed.

When Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World,” He meant it. There is no darkness in Him. God gave me scriptures that tore down the strongholds of deception and enabled me to build a new foundation of truth and power. For example:

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. —Isaiah 41:10 NLT

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. —Proverbs 3:24 NIV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. —John 14:27 NIV

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. —2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. —Psalm 56:3 NIV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

What about you? Does something keep you from living in freedom or receiving God’s love? If so, I pray the above verses will become a balm for your soul. As you discover deceptions in your thinking, lay them on the altar and confess them as sins. Ask God to renew your mind and give you peace. Cast it all on Him and snuggle up for the best rest of your life.

Father, please break down and demolish any strongholds that set themselves up against the knowledge of God. Hear the prayers of Your fear-filled children who long to be free, to trust You, and to love You with all their hearts, minds, souls, and strength. Amen.

 

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV).

Marlene McKenna

 

Sweet Selah Ministries 

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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