2 Timothy 1:7 NIV — for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

When I was a little girl we had a fish fry at our house every Friday night that included my dad’s fishing buddies — two retired widows from our church. The fellowship was always enjoyable and their wealth of knowledge was priceless. One night the adults talked about an incident of a lady coming home one evening and a “bad guy” was hiding under her bed. As they continued the story, which ended in favor of the “good guy,” I became fixated on the bad guy hiding under the bed. Thus was born an irrational fear of someone hiding under my bed. For what seems like years, at night when I went into my bedroom, I would take one step and then take a leaping jump to my bed so that if there was a bad guy under my bed he/she couldn’t grab my leg. Take a moment to envision that scenario. Isn’t that hilarious?

Thankfully I came to my senses and got over that fear. As I have grown older and wiser, I realize how debilitating fear can be, but I also realize fear is not of God. Fear is a liar. Listen to the song “Fear Is a Liar” by Zach Williams. Reread your list of fears you wrote Sunday and give them to God. Speak to the lies of fear and tell them they have no power over you. You are a child of God!

Let’s pray. Thank You Lord for giving me a spirit of “power and love and self-control.”Give me strength and courage to overcome my fears. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

1 John 4:18 NIV — There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Before we dive deeper into our fears, take some time to read this article produced by CNN Health titled “What is the Science Behind Fear?”

Merriam-Webster defines phobia as “exaggerated fear of” or “aversion or intolerance of” something. As humans, we sometimes let our minds run wild and create imaginary scenarios. However, as Christians, we have been born of God and we know God. Read 1 John 4:7-18 NIV and be assured of God’s love.

Now refer back to the list of fears you wrote yesterday. Read the list through the love of God. If you are able, mark the ones that are exaggerated fears or phobias. Today, pray for God’s love to guide your thoughts and give you strength and courage to deal with those phobias.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your perfect love. Help me to be ever mindful of Your love as I encounter situations that cause my fears to arise. Fix my mindset on Your love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Proverbs 9:10 NIV — The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Last week Julie shared with us about fear and a holy, healthy fear of God. This week I will share with you some other thoughts about fear.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines fear as an unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. Fear is a natural, human emotion. Fear can be crippling. Fear can cause anxiety and stress. 

Today, spend a few moments making a list of fears you may have or experience. I encourage you to have what I call a “brain dump.” Sit alone, in the quiet, with just you and God. Have a pen and paper in hand and just list any and all thoughts you have about fear. There will be no right or wrong answers and this is just for you and God to see. This week as I share some thoughts on fear, I encourage you to keep this list close by so you can refer back to it. For now, make the list and let it go. Leave it at home when you go to your place or time of worship today. Do not let the thoughts of stress or fear spill over into your time of rest and rejuvenation. Do not let fear cripple your Sabbath. Instead, draw near to God.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Draw me close as I worship You today and help me let go of stress. Give me strength and comfort on this Sabbath. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV — In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.‬‬

Watch today’s See You Saturday Video as I share with you about something you can do while on vacation to be a witness for Christ.

Psalms 46:10 — Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

I have enjoyed reliving some of my past vacations. Have you been able to walk down memory lane? Do you have a vacation planned for sometime in the near future? Perhaps time and money have restricted you to travel. You can still take a mini-vacation while remaining at home — a staycation. Take a moment to read this article titled Take a Mini-Vacation Every Day! A Few Staycation Ideas.

Did the article spur some ideas for your very own staycation? I encourage you to build in some prayer, devotion, and Bible reading whether on a vacation or staycation. The time away with God promises to be rejuvenating and renewing. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, I seek time away with You. Thank You for our times together and for rejuvenation in You. Guide my time so I am able to be renewed. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Matthew 5:16 NIV — In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

This week I have shared with you about various vacations I have had. As I have traveled down memory lane in my writing, I have also thought about the not so wonderful sights and smells I have seen in my travels — the ugly side of vacations. Today, reflect on previous vacation spots. Did you only see the beauty or were you also exposed to the unlovely? As we think about the less than desirable sights, let’s take time today to pray for those people caught up in negative circumstances. Pray for God’s light and love to be shone brightly through you. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, I lift up all those caught in undesirable circumstances. Open their eyes to Your love and light. Make me an instrument of Your grace and may my light shine brightly for You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Psalms 8:1 NIV — Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. You have set your glory in the heavens.

If you have been able to watch my “See You Saturday” videos over the last several months you have learned that I have had the opportunity to travel to many places recently for my work. I have been to Orlando, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Denver. Each of the destinations brough new experiences and new insights. While the trips were mostly consumed by work, I was still able to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Today’s photo is a collage of some of the sights. Seeing all of the various land features always sparked a moment of praise and worship. As I was in awe of God’s creation, I thanked Him for the beauty of the Earth.

Have you had work-related vacations? Where did you go? What did you do? What did you see? How did God speak to you? Thank God for the opportunities to see new places and experience new things. Praise God for the beauty of His Earth.

Take a moment for praise and worship as you listen to the hymn For the Beauty of the Earth.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank you for the opportunity to see and experience new places. I give You my sacrifice of praise. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.