“Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke12:32).
“The kingdom of God is not food and drink, but instead it is righteousness [that state which makes a person acceptable to God] and peace and joy [heart] in the Holy Spirit” (Romans14:17).

Often the Lord compares His children to sheep because they share many similarities, especially the being afraid part. Our hearts fear the past, present, and future as well as the known and the unknown. We struggle not to be affected by the torment fear brings, yet there seems no escape from its dominating presence. Yes, fear is powerful, but love is more powerful! Because of this love, our heavenly Father takes pleasure in removing our fears and teaching us to abide in the kingdom of God that lives within our hearts. In His kingdom, we are totally accepted by Him, while at the same time we are offered peace and joy for our hearts! This peace, which the Lord offers us in the kingdom, begins with a seed and must take root in good soil and grow. This peace is a process of becoming, a work that we allow God to accomplish with His presence within the very core of ourselves. But how do we get the fear out so we can receive the invitation to abide in God’s kingdom?
We go to Jesus and pour out our fearful hearts to Him. On many occasions, I have experienced this amazing trade-off in the midst of fearful times. Each of my children grew up with his or her own set of issues, and as their mother, my heart was often burdened with fear or dread. When the load got too big to carry, I would go to Jesus. Patiently and lovingly, He listened to my long lists of fears, one child at a time. Sometimes He spoke a word of encouragement or direction to my heart as we worked through my anxiety and distress. When I came to the end of my list, He would ask, now, can you give the children back to me and try to trust me just a little with each of them?
By that point, I was usually able to answer yes and receive the grace to let go. Then I could abide in His acceptance, peace, and joy instead of walking in fear, torment, and worry. I was blessed in my heart, even though the outward circumstances seemed unchanged, because it was His pleasure to give me the kingdom!
Are you burdened down with fear? Run to Jesus and fear not. It is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom too! Trust the process, and you will find the One who gives acceptance, peace, and joy to His much-loved sheep!
www.deborahbyrd.org