Romans 8:35,37-39 – Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)

One thing that I have learned since having a horse is that I must be alert at all times when I am out riding in the cart pulled by my gelding, Frank. Why? Because horses are easily spooked. We can be out enjoying the stillness of a crisp and glorious spring morning, or dashing through a pristine, snowy landscape, when out of the blue, for no reason which I can discern, Frank, without warning, will jump or swerve to the side in fear. Windy days also hold their share of spookiness for him as unfamiliar or frightening scents assault his nostrils. It is only my firm yet gently guiding hands on the reins, as well as a calm soothing voice, that set him right again and keep him on track.

Horses are not the only ones that are easily spooked, however. How many times have I found myself — or have you found yourself — spooked? We're travelling along the pathway of life, and all is bright and full of sunshine and goodness, when we are assaulted by fear, either real or imagined. We receive bad news, we hear a rumour, we see something which we're not sure about, or our mind simply scrabbles down thought pathways that lead to dark and frightening corners. All the fears that life has taught us could become a reality at any time, for we live in an ever-changing world, a world that holds very few certainties regarding our security and safety. And yet, amidst all of these things, real or imagined, which have the power to spook us, God gently yet firmly speaks these words of power and truth into the hearts of those who listen and place their trust in Him:

Joshua 1:9b – Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (NIV)

God is with us. He holds the reins of our lives. And the answer to having peace and well-being amidst the spooky things of life is to continue to grow in trust and to learn to fully yield our lives, all that we are and have, to Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (NKJV)

By so doing, His peace, power, and assurance are able to flow through His Holy Spirit into our hearts and minds amid any and every situation this life can possibly blow our way. He is with us every day in every way — whether we feel His presence or not — for God cannot lie.

Today, spooky things may come our way, either real or imagined. But amidst them, we have a choice: to be spooked by them or to conquer them through Him Who loves us and will never, ever leave us.

Which choice will you opt for today?

Prayer: Father God, thank You that You are always with us. Whether we feel Your presence or not, Your Word states this fact as truth, and You are incapable of lying. So bless each of today with the courage and faith to hold firmly to this truth, that we may be more than conquerors, amidst the spooky uncertainties of life, through Him who loves us. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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