Focus on God’s love this summer and reject fear-based decisions
Life is full of distractions.
During the summer months, when the pace of life is slower, it seems easier to keep our minds focused. It is a good time for reflection, especially if important decisions have to be made.
One of the greatest distractions, that does not seem to go away easily, is fear. It is described as “an emotional response induced by a perceived threat, which causes a change in brain and organ function, as well as in behaviour. Fear can lead us to hide, to run away, or to freeze in our shoes. Fear may arise from a confrontation or from avoiding a threat, or it may come in the form of a discovery,” says an article titled “What is Fear” published in the May 19, 2014, issue of “Psychology Today.”
This is something we can all identify with because everyone has been afraid at some point in life. It can have a profound effect, depending upon the intensity of the perceived threat.
Fear can negatively impact our lives, especially when it comes to decision-making. It can become a huge distraction that causes us to make a poor choice with lifelong consequences. Experts agree that the worst decisions are those made out of fear.
When it comes to the significant decisions of life, Christians should look to Christ. He will guide us and help us to overcome our fear.
Jesus states, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)
Jesus reminds us that the reason we do not need to be afraid is because God cares for us. We are so precious that God will not let anything harm us.
Jesus makes reference to nature and to its incredible beauty and harmony. As we look around us we see that God sustains all life, both plant and animal. They are reflections of the grandeur of the divine.
“God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31)
So what we see in nature should remind us of our own great value in God’s eyes. Be not afraid because God will look after us.
Nature is not the only place that we find a reminder of God’s loving care. We can also find it in the family, especially in the relationship between parent and child.
Even though this is not always the case, children should not have to worry about life. They know that they will be cared for by someone who loves them unconditionally. When something frightens them, it is often a parent or grandparent who brings comfort by saying, “I am here. Do not be afraid. I love you and will not let anything hurt you.”
When you love someone, you want to protect them from harm. It is the same with our God. All that we need to do is trust.
We do not need to worry because God will care for us. When we are filled with fear, we need to listen to the words of the gentle shepherd who offers comfort and reminds us that we are not alone. As followers of Christ we should not only know this, but we must also believe it to be true. This then becomes the foundation for a faith that informs how we live our lives.
As we become less distracted this summer, let us focus more on faith than on fear. If we do this, then we need not worry when it comes to making important decisions.