Faith Not Fear

I'm finally back at the gym.  Without driving these past several months that was one part of my life that had changed.  In many ways it was a positive change.  I realized how much I loved rising early to spend time in the Bible instead of trying to find quiet time throughout my day with the kids.  There is something so serene about a quiet and still house, before the sun (or kids) rise.  :)

Now that I am driving again, I decided it was time to join a gym on our new side of town.  There was some hesitation, because I want to make sure I guard and protect this quiet time with the Lord I've come to crave.  I talked it over with Andy and asked for him to help me keep this in balance.  Balance.  That is the key.  I've realized how often I can allow myself to go to the gym but still have other mornings to linger in the Word.  I spent time considering whether or not it was wise to join the gym again during this season, but honestly I have found that having a few mornings a week to myself outside of the home add positive aspects to my life.

One of the parts I have missed the most about my early morning gym times is when I get on my cardio machine and pump up the volume of my praise music.  Don't be surprised if you see me at the gym singing along while running.  I love Christian music!  I love the lyrics!  I love how the Lord speaks to me through songs!

This week at the end of a workout I hopped on the treadmill and got the machine and music started.  I was overwhelmed by the clarity of the Lord's message this morning.  Over and over again I kept hearing the word fear.

Fear.

Why do I allow fear to take so much control of my life?  I began to consider the many ways fear creeps into my thoughts and actions.

What I found is that a lot of it revolves around my children.

I'm afraid something will happen to my kids.

I'm afraid I'm not a fun enough mom. 

I'm afraid I am not preparing them well enough for their future.

I'm afraid I'm too hard on them and hold them to unrealistic expectations.

But, these are not the only thoughts that hold me captive.

I'm afraid I'm not good enough to answer the call God has placed on my life.

I'm afraid that I say the wrong words and hurt someone unintentionally.

I'm afraid when I pray, He won't answer.

I have other fears.  Fears that come and go.  Fears that seem small and insignificant when looking back on them.  Fears that can at times suffocate me because of their enormity.

But, as I was ministered to through beautiful melodies I realized that true faith has no fear.  My faith in Christ reminds me that in Him are all things.  Do I believe He is in control?  Do I believe that all things work together for good?  Do I believe He listens to every thought and word I send His way?  Do I believe He loves me?

If I believe these things, then there is no need for fear.

As I was putting one foot in front of the other and these thoughts were running through my head, this song began to play.  It's one of those moments where I wanted to lift my hands and praise the Lord, not caring that I was in the middle of the gym.  But, if I did that, I would be the girl who flew off the end of the treadmill, instead of the girl trying to sing while running.  :)

Take a few minutes to listen to this song and let the words wash over you.

We are no longer slaves!

I am a child of God!

I am a child of God!

I AM A CHILD OF GOD!!!

 What fears steal your joy?  Are you being suffocated by fears that you can release to the Lord?

Let them go them.  Remind yourself that you are a child of God.  Say it out loud over and over again until you believe it....and then say it again.

As a side note, these kids left a little while ago for a weekend with the grandparents.

An entire weekend to ourselves!  Where do we even begin?

Last year this was the weekend I signed up for my trip to Israel.  I'll let you know if I sign up for any more amazing trips this weekend while they're gone. ;)