The Taste of Fear

Fear tastes rancid in my mouth; sour as milk that’s been left on the countertop too long. It rises like a Colorado river when a summer storm flashes–unexpected and dangerous.

Too many nights, fear visited beneath the shadow of darkness. His stealthy figure lingered beneath the hall light while I squeezed my eyes shut. Please help me. Someone help me. My mind screeched the words in the darkness, but they were trapped inside.

Fear visited each time one clenched fist and then another slammed against mother’s cheek. Curled around her slender neck. Raised an arm to lash my brother’s legs.

Fear tastes rancid in my mouth, but I wonder–what does fear taste like to you? We all know its flavor on our tongues though it may appear differently in our lives.

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear

Some of us recognize fear dressed in the clothing of an abuser while others know fear as a diagnosis, addiction, or relentless disease. Others see fear as world events, lack of control, or being authentically and honestly known.

Oh, friend, we are secure in our God. Nothing that has been done to us, can be done to us, or could ever be done to us will separate us from His love. Scripture assures us that “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18 ) and we know that “God is love” (1 John 4:8).

Oh, friend, we are secure in our God. Nothing that has been done to us, can be done to us, or could ever be done to us will separate us from His love. #perfectlovecastsoutfear Click To Tweet

10 Fear Fighting Psalms

• “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.” (Psalm 3:5-6)
• “But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.” (Psalm 9:18)
• “Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” (Psalm 16:1-2)
• “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
• “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears ” (Psalm 34:4)
• “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
• When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4)
• “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)
• “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.” (Psalm 112:7-8
• “I cry to you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” (Psalm 142:5)

 

A Final Thought

One day soon, fear will cease to exist, and we will exult in the joy and love of the Father. Until then, I pray each of you discovers freedom from fear through His promises. Please enjoy and share this printable, 14 Fear Fighting Psalms, as we continue to lean into God when fear rises. For more encouraging posts, you can read Three Steps to Overcoming Fear here. 

 

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Peace and grace,

Tammy

I often link-up with the following wonderful bloggers.

Mondays   Anita Ojeda

Tuesdays InstaEncouragements

Wednesdays  Recharge Wednesday / Tell His Story/ Linkup/Let’s Have Coffee

Thursdays Heart Encouragement  /  Tune In Thursday  /Salt and Light

Now for this week’s link-up!

This week’s featured post is, Does Christ Seem Slow in His Return, author and blogger Debbie W. Wilson. Debbie reminds us that while we long for Christ to call the Church home, He is wooing others to Himself and we are called to work in the waiting.

Thanks for the encouragement, Debbie.

Does Christ Seem Slow in His Return?

by Debbie W. Wilson

Click here to read.

 

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Maree Dee

Tammy Kennington

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