Don't Pack Your Fears

For several years, Glen and I enjoyed backpacking along the Appalachian Trail.  We have done hikes in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia.

If you aren't familiar with backpacking, this is when you hike for several days, or in some cases months, and carry every thing you need on your back.  Our packs usually weighed about 25 -27 pounds fully loaded. Because you are carrying everything you need, and all those grams add up, it is important not to carry things you really don't need.  One of the temptations is to follow the "What if...?" line of thinking.

"What if I fall and cut myself badly?  I will need ...(insert whatever first aid supplies you think you may need).

"What if I lose my lighter?  I better take matches, too!"

"What if it gets really cold?  I better pack more clothes!"

This list could go on and on.

But if you pack for all your fears, you probably won't hike very long because your pack will just be too heavy.

In life, we also tend to "pack our fears".  We do things or think in certain ways that show we are looking more at our fears than the One Who has conquered all fear.  It is so easy to look out into the deep dark future and suppose there are all sorts of pitfalls and dangers awaiting us.  And sometimes there are.  But more importantly, if we are believers in the Lord Jesus, there is a kind and merciful God waiting to be everything we need in those times.  He wants us to trust in Him, rather than wallow in our fears.  The "what if..." question should always be answered with "God will be enough."  Period.  No matter what, as we trust Him, He will prove Himself faithful over and over and over again. No matter what.

Let us settle our fears by remembering these verses,

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above 

all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 

unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, 

world without end. 

Amen."

Ephesians 3:30,21