Wednesday, January 1, 2014

The Moth


Moth courtesy photobucket.com
 
“Get it away from me” were the screams coming from my friend as she wildly waved her arms to protect her face.

My eyes were wide opened as I watched her fight off a small moth that had been attracted to the light in the room.

Her husband swatted at the poor moth and soon it was captured and released outside.

I had never witnessed anyone fall apart over something so insignificant in my thinking.   Now if it was a mouse, I would be standing on a chair right quick, but a moth seemed silly to be so fearful.

When my friend finally calmed down, I tried to question her about this fear.  Out it came; when she was a small child she viewed her mother react in like manner apparently when attacked by a moth.  She reasoned that moths must be dangerous and forever after this fear was carried into her adulthood.

Often we are easily influenced by the reaction of other’s to a fearful happening. 

It was FDR who said, “All we need to fear is fear itself.   This means that we should be afraid of simply being afraid, because fear has torment.

If we are constantly afraid then we will not have the power to conquer many of our obstacles.

As the New Year is upon us, there are many things to consider that seem alarming.  The best approach is to make a decision to fully place our trust in the Lord and allow Him to give us His peace.

This does not mean that we should foolishly, sit down and do nothing.  With direction from God, we will make wise choices and walk in forgiveness and peace.

Joyce Meyer has a book by this title, “Do it Afraid”  Fearful – perhaps yes, but do it anyway.

Isaiah 41:10  Don't be afraid, because I'm with you; don't be anxious, because I am your God.  I keep on strengthening you; I'm truly helping you. I'm surely upholding you with my victorious right hand."

 

6 comments:

Wise Hearted said...

Oh good post Hazel...great points for this new year or any year. I love the title of Meyers book, Do It Afraid". Most things I have done in the past was with fear facing me head on...thank God I have those memory reminders to help me today face new fears that come my way. Happy New Year.

Laura said...

When I am feeling particularly wise I am grateful for a little bit of fear in the mix because it makes me lean on God harder. Happy New Year, Hazel! You are a blessing to so many with your words of encouragement.

Floyd said...

Excellent post and reminder, Hazel. When we fear the things in this world that our Father controls more than we revere Him, we have some lessons on fear coming our way.

caryjo said...

I had to laugh a bit. When I was about 10 yrs old, in our bedroom there was a hole in the wall right above the bed I was in. Sometimes the moths would fly right past my face and go through the wall. Ever since then, I've been a moth reactor. I KNOW they aren't a danger, but I still have a knee-jerk reaction. SNAKES put me in horrific situations, and that's a bit more realistic. But, still ain't a moth friend. So funny that butterflies, in the same general "family", cause me to rejoice. How crazy is that? Again, you made me laugh... at ME. I need to be a bit more courageous and realistic, doncha think?

Betty Jo said...

Terrific post Hazel. My mother instilled the fear of lightening into me. I've actually been hit by lightening. The charge came through phone wires on a wall I was leaning against, connecting with the metal on my bra closure, knocking me away from the wall and leaving a burnt spot on my back. I think the Lord allowed it to show me that I don't have to fear, as He will protect me.

Anonymous said...

Hi Hazel. Such a beautiful reminder at the beginning of a new year to not give credence to fear. To trust the Lord and know He is with us. Love the verse too.
God bless
Tracy