Be Not Afraid. God Is Still On The Throne.

 

 

Three word sentences can change your life.

If you heard …

Congratulations, you’re hired!
or Hurrah, you’re pregnant!
or You’re cancer free!
It would dramatically change your life, wouldn’t it?

Several years ago, Mr. 4-Ever (that’s my man) and I joined a dinner party group.

At first, we just got together to eat and play games. We talked about the weather or the game or our kid’s latest escapades. It’s grown into a safe haven, a place to share new recipes as well as  life’s triumphs and challenges.

It’s so special, we don’t post pictures on Facebook or tweet about our time together. It would feel like a breach of privacy.

I LOVE YOU

There is a bond between us that blossomed from casual conversation to committed comrades. The three word sentence, I LOVE YOU is heard often.

When a kid acts up or a basement floods or sickness strikes, the three word sentence I NEED HELP is responded to with love, compassion, meals and prayers. 

Occasionally in this group a toe gets stepped on, feelings get hurt, the teasing gets carried away, or a personality comes on too strong – and there’s an issue.

Three word sentences restore balance and relationships.

I’M SO SORRY. PLEASE FORGIVE ME.

Just like that, defenses come down and hearts soften. Another three word sentence redeems the situation.

I FORGIVE YOU.

When all is restored and hugs are exchanged, sighs of relief are exhaled, the cycle is completed with the three word sentence that started it all.

I LOVE YOU!

The same three word sentences that created the sanctuary for our little group will work like magic in your marriage, with your kids, your extended family and your friends.

In this time of unease and quarantines, God has a three word sentence for you.

BE NOT AFRAID.

When people feel threatened, they often become irrational. Fearful people cannot represent Jesus accurately. They make poor choices and say mean things.

As the frenzy about the coronavirus continues to escalate, do not lose your mind. Take precautions. Don’t lick anyone. Wash your hands. Remember whose hands you are in.  BE NOT AFRAID. God is still on the throne.

Prayer: Lord God, bring the craziness and the coronavirus to its end. Rule your land and guide your people. We praise you for who you are. You, Lord are in charge of all things and over all things. We praise you Lord that you are HEALER, and KING, and SHEILD, and LORD OF ALL.

I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.

I will glory in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
Ps. 34:1-5 NIV

Restore peace to the nations.

In Jesus Name I pray, amen.

18 Comments

  1. Jan Starkey on March 16, 2020 at 12:44 am

    For sure fearful people make all sorts of bad decisions. I certainly have. Now I am looking to the Lord for His forgiveness. I have hurt people. I have trusted people I shouldn’t have. I have learned a very valuable lesson. Also I acted out of bitterness too. I only have God to ask for forgiveness for this mess. I know He will. I just need to learn from my mistakes also. I don’t want to look at the past, only look to a better future. One with discernment and wisdom and faith and trust.

    • Robyn Dykstra on March 16, 2020 at 2:57 pm

      Amen, Jan. Isn’t it comforting to remember Jesus already paid for our mistakes and mis-steps? WE need only to receive his gift of forgiveness and forgive ourselves.

  2. Barbara McElroy on March 16, 2020 at 1:23 am

    Thank you Robyn for your encouragement. It’s so refreshing to hear. I hope this is not effecting your ministry. God Bless you and Mr. 4ever. Barbie

    • Robyn Dykstra on March 16, 2020 at 2:55 pm

      Hi Barbie,
      Thanks for posting.
      I’ve had several cancellations because of this virus. It rattled me. I wrote about not being afraid out of my own recent experience. Not sure what the future holds, but I know who holds my future. 🙂

  3. Phyllis Eversole on March 16, 2020 at 1:39 am

    Thank you, Robyn. I don’t fear because God is on the throne and He is in control. His Word as you said tells us not to fear. We have not been given the spirit of fear. Thank you for reminding us of that. God bless.

  4. Pam on March 16, 2020 at 10:05 am

    Thank you for sharing. Your group is a wonderful example of how our lives in every way should be.

    We pray psalm 91 – a powerful promise from our God

  5. Dede Beemer on March 16, 2020 at 10:21 am

    Amen! Thank you for the reminder God is still on his throne & in control. We need not fear but Satan keeps whispering in my ear “be afraid”, I must call on the name of Jesus to dispel the evil one.

    • Robyn Dykstra on March 16, 2020 at 2:50 pm

      Dede, I’m happy to help remind you to align all your thoughts with God’s thoughts for you. FEAR NOT! 🙂

      When fear tries to take over, tell yourself what is true about God instead.

  6. Diane L Wiech on March 16, 2020 at 1:02 pm

    Thank you for sharing this. The simple 3 word sentence concept gave me a new approach to the week. God Bless You.

    • Robyn Dykstra on March 16, 2020 at 2:47 pm

      Keeping it real. Keeping it simple.

  7. Jeanie Monk on March 16, 2020 at 1:15 pm

    I agree with you in prayer that God will end the craziness and bring this coronavirus to an end. And I hope he replenishes the toilet paper on the shelves. 🙂 God is in control and we all need to just use a little common sense. I don’t know if you have had to cancel speaking engagements or not but I pray that God continues to bless your ministry.

    • Robyn Dykstra on March 16, 2020 at 2:06 pm

      Thanks for the giggle in this somber time.

  8. Elise on March 16, 2020 at 2:11 pm

    Thanks Robyn, inspired by the dinner club idea I want to start one!!! Love the prayer and the laugh…. I’ve always enjoyed your easy entertaining style of writing.
    PS thanks for the tip in no licking people ? I’ll put that into practice right away ?

    • Robyn Dykstra on March 16, 2020 at 2:46 pm

      Bahahaha, thanks Elise.

  9. Bev. on March 16, 2020 at 3:52 pm

    Thanks Robyn, my understanding is that their r 365 fear nots in the Bible. I do know that God did not give us the spirit of fear. I do my best to live this daily we just have to rememeber who we serve . I love the Lord . Bev.

    • Robyn Dykstra on March 16, 2020 at 4:15 pm

      That’s a good word, Bev. Thanks for posting.

  10. Nancy on March 28, 2020 at 12:39 pm

    Thanks for thinking of all of us during this stressful time. I am not afraid or experiencing anxiety, thanks be to God. I know God is in control. His word tells that and I know from experience. What a mighty God we serve!

    • Robyn Dykstra on March 29, 2020 at 1:15 am

      Amen to that, Nancy.

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