We were a young couple with three small children under the age of five. Money was tight and vacations were not a priority. So when we were promised a free vacation to simply listen to their vacuum cleaner pitch, we jumped at the opportunity.

Th gentleman came. Demonstrated this wonderful vacuum cleaner. With three small children, we could definitely use it. I was about to agree to buy this vacuum cleaner we couldn’t afford and then the salesman overplayed his hand.

“This vacuum cleaner gets rid of dust mites and dust mites causes Sudden Infant Deaths Syndrome.”

What? At the time we had an infant. He was trying to tell me if I didn’t buy what he was selling, my child could die. He tried to motivate me with fear and in the process, lost his sale. I refuse to allow fear to motivate me.

Why? “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Fear does not come from God. It comes from the evil one.
Fear is a spirit. It will grow uncheck if you allow it.

In this season, fear is rampant. Fear of the virus. Fear of socialism. Fear of riots. Fear of losing our personal wealth. Fear of being wrong. Fear.

Everyone is trying to get us to believe what they believe and fear has become the tactic for persuasion.

This past week, I have been bombarded with opportunities to fear. People have sent videos predicting the collapse of America and the collapse of our democracy. Unfortunately, our spiritual and political leaders seem to echo the voice of fear as well. How do you navigate through it all? How do you live a life not motivated by fear?

The following has worked for me over the past years. I’m not always perfect at it, but overall, this helps me not be motivated by fear.

1. Meditate on God’s love: The Bible says, “Perfect love casts out fear.” (I John 4:18). God’s love for you is perfect. Meditate on how much He loves you. He will not let doom and gloom overtake you. Let that be a constant theme for you.

2. Meditate on God’s protection. The Bible says, “God is for you and nothing can stand against you (Romans 8:31).” What should we fear? If God is for us, who or what could ever prevail against us? Do not receive any thought that is contrary to this truth.

3. Discern. When you are presented with someone’s version of the truth, ask yourself, “how does this make me feel?” If you feel fear, God is NOT speaking through that person because God doesn’t use fear to motivate us. Meditate on points 1 & 2. Then ask God to show you truth.

This is how I’m keeping my sanity in 2020. Who wants to join me?
#nofear