Sowing Seeds

When facing times of uncertainty it is so easy to become afraid. The temptation to panic during a stressful situation is all too real. But, God’s word tells us not to be afraid. Instead, we are to place our trust in Him. “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). We can count on God to be with us as we face our fears. He will enable us to handle all the troubles that come our way.

When I was younger I sometimes suffered from what I described as shyness. Now, looking back, a description of “anxiety” would be more accurate. I feared going into new places or facing new situations. I could stand up before a large group with only slight nervousness, but to walk into an unfamiliar restaurant or a home I had never been to before terrified me. I would be gripped by a sick feeling in my stomach, my head would spin and I could feel adrenalin race through my veins. It was a battle to get past those feelings and so often, I chose the much easier route and simply avoided situations that triggered that fearful response in me. The result was that I was missing out on much of the joy that God had waiting for me. When I shared my problem of anxiousness with my husband, he told me that whenever I felt that way, to reach out and hold his hand. He would know that was a request to him for prayer. Then, we would silently ask God for courage and walk into the new situation together. With God’s help and the support of my husband, I have been able to move beyond those momentary feelings of panic that sometimes afflicted me.

Though those feelings of fear were real, the basis of them was unfounded. My anxiousness was not based on fact. However, what happens when something occurs in our life when our fears are more understandable? Do we run from them in panic and miss what God may be trying to show us? Or do we look to God for support? “But the LORD is my fortress; my God is the mighty rock where I hide” (Psalm 94:22).

We need to remember that the Lord will protect us in all our fears. He will shelter us and keep us from harm. It is true that our bodies may fail, but God holds our souls. With that knowledge, there is no need to fear. Instead, during trials and when we face uncertainties in life, it is the time to remain strong in our faith. Rather than sitting back and cowering against the pain or sorrows that threaten to defeat us, it is the time to sow seeds of faith. When we demonstrate our trust in the Lord, remembering that He works all things together for the good, we are actively being a witness for Christ. As we look to God, rather than dwelling on our anxiety, we are free to plant seeds of His love in those around us. In turn, our joy in the Lord will overshadow even the deepest fears we may have. And, when we place our trust in Him, we will live in freedom from fear and enjoy a great harvest in life.

“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest” (Psalm 126:5-6).

Living for Him,

Joan