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Listen while you read: "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow"1
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Isaiah 8:13 – Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. (KJV)
Psalm 18:13 – And the Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. (KJV)
Several years ago, I learned a technique to help others when they are troubled by recurring dreams involving memories of situations that have troubling or sad endings.
It encompasses, in part, a form of visualization. Instead of immediately getting up when one awakens from a troubled dream, it helps if one remains lying down, re-creating the dream, and changing the outcome to a positive ending. It isn't always easy and it doesn't change the entire situation all at once. It is a step, however small at first, to overcoming the fear.
Sermons using scriptures such as the ones quoted today used to send a chill of fear through me, and leave me scared for some time, lest I be a victim of his wrath. If a suggested scripture for the day happened to be just such a one, I would be sure it was meant for me and I would be going straight to hell.
I've long since learned however, that, just as one can change the outcome of a dream by re-doing it and continuing on, one can also change the outcome of their interpretation of the scriptures by first understanding, for example, that fear can mean respecting, honouring, beholding — and that by continuing on in the scripture, we learn that He is a God of love, understanding and compassion.
Continuing in Isaiah chapter 9, we read of Christ's birth, and how his name shall be called "Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." And continuing in Psalm 18, it speaks of how he delivers us, protects us, delights in us.
Whether we need to change the outcome of our outlook, or the outcome of something else, it is through Him that we find the knowledge, the strength, and the courage.
Prayer: Grant us Lord, the courage to meet challenging situations, the strength to face our fears and the wisdom to seek higher understanding. In Your name we pray. Amen.
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About the author:
Mary Daniel <marydee@shaw.ca>
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
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