Ella the Fearless

Ella was almost alligator bait. Perhaps, you have seen photos of our four pound dog being chased by an alligator. Ella is 16 years old and afraid of everything. Maybe, because she is nearly blind and mostly deaf, she walks around the house with her tail between her legs. Don’t be like Ella; change your focus and be fearless.

I wish I could say that I am fearless, but sometimes I’m just like Ella, walking around with my tail between my legs. The truth is that I am afraid of bad news. I’m always waiting for it, anticipating the dreaded telephone call.

Do Not Fear

I know that Jesus said, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). I know this means that I am a child of the king and he takes pleasure in giving me the blessings and bounty of the kingdom. So, why do I allow fear a foothold in my life?

It is easy to get discouraged. When we wake up and are faced with the “what ifs.” What if I lose my job, fail my math test, score poorly on the SAT, God doesn’t heal me? You get the idea.

At any moment in time there are lots of troubles in our world: hurricanes in Louisiana, wild fires in California, causalities in Ukraine, flooding at home, the unopened bills on the table. Yes, there is lots of bad news on which to focus our attention. But, let me distract you for a moment.

My Favorite Things

Try this exercise with me. Make a list of the things you love. Yes, take out paper and pencil and write a list. Your list might include “Chocolate.” Lizzy loves chocolate. How about the smell of cut grass, the satisfaction of a job well done, laughter around the dinner table, Red barns?

As I wrote my list, I found lots of lovely things for which I delight. But, do I delight in God? Where was he on my list?

I went through my list again: The way my granddaughters Scarlet and Selah hug me tight. They are big huggers. The fact that I am Shiloh’s favorite. The sparkly way the air feels before a thunderstorm. The “comfyness” of my favorite chair. Then, it occurred to me; as I expressed thankfulness for these things, I turn my focus away from the worries of my life. I was taking delight in God. It is truly God’s grace that has blessed me with the things that I love. At that point, I realized, indeed, God has given me the desires of my heart and I was delighting in him.

Turn your focus away from the worries of life. Take delight in that is lovely. This is the secret to being fearless. Don’t be like Ella, walking around with your tail between your legs. Change your focus; be fearless!

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear

Also, see No Frogs Allowed.