"Be Not Afraid"... yeah, right!

Do you ever have those moments where it feels like the entire universe is conspiring to tell you something? I'm always on the look out for signs from God to make sure that I am following His will, so I take note of things that are going on around me.

Fear is all around

In the past two weeks I've been seeing quotes about fear pop up on Facebook, heard people talking about fear on the radio or it's popped up in tv shows of movies I've seen recently. So, I've decided to give the idea of fear some thought.

The hymn "Be Not Afraid" came to mind. I sung the hymn many times in church and I think I have always focused on the refrain:

Be not afraid. I go before you always.
Come follow me, and I will give you rest. 

It seems simple enough, doesn't it? It's such a lighthearted hymn that is full of wonderful promises:

• You shall not die of thirst.
• You shall wander far in safety.
• You shall not drown.
• You shall not be harmed
• God with you through it all.

 Sign me up! 


Then as I reflected on the song, I realized that underneath those beautiful promises, there's a hard truth: you'll go through hard times.

• You shall cross the barren desert.
• You will not know the way.
• You will pass through raging waters in the sea.
• You will walk amid the burning flames.
• You will stand before the power of hell and death will be at your side.

Time out!! I don't want to go through flames, raging waters and to hell! This song that is meant to calm has now gotten me a little worked up.

Be careful what you wish for

A funny thing happens when you try to live according to God's will. If you ask Him to make a change in life to be aligned with Him, He will begin a work in you. But you better be prepared for the unprepareable. God's ways are rarely, if ever, your ways.

Three years ago it seemed that the universe was conspiring to have me look into the idea of patience and a reliance on God. That set me on a journey of making the film Broken & Beautiful. So now here I am embarking on my next film project, a horror/thriller, and apparently I'm to investigate fear. But, it seems, not the 'scary movie' fear but internal fears - of failure, of the unknown.

I'm still working through this idea. Comment below with your thoughts on fear - how you have overcome it or how you deal with it. For now, I have made a list of my current fears as a way to overcome them - either by rationally thinking through how it's silly to be afraid or to just name the fear so I can give it over to God. It's a work in progress!

Laugh and be blessed

I suppose I should keep focused on the positive aspects of "Be Not Afraid." I'll remember that even if I go through trying times, I can offer up suffering and it could have a purpose. And God's promises are good: I will laugh and be blessed.

Blessed are your poor, for the kingdom shall be theirs.

Blest are you that weep and mourn, for one day you shall laugh.

And if wicked men insult and hate you all because of me, blessed, blessed are you!