Battles And Front Lines Devotional By Rita Springerናሙና

A Visit with Lions

When you visit the zoo, there is a feeling of safety provided by the thick protective glass that separates the visitors from the animals. Even when a lion is staring directly at you, the glass eliminates fear’s ability to race your heartbeat. It’s a little different when you are on a safari in Africa, with a few dozen massive lions staring up at you through the thin van window. The tour guide asks everyone to remain seated in the vehicle at all times. While in the van, the group is non-threating to the lions. Separated from the group, however, an individual is fair game. The feelings of fear are definitely stronger in the safari situation than at the zoo! The threat of fear (the lions) is in both places, but your position highlights the power that fear has over you.

I struggled with fear when I was younger. When I was alone at night, fear would sweep over me, bringing deep anxiety. I learned to cage it when I realized I could use the Holy Spirit like that protective glass at the zoo. Fear could try to create a scenario in my head, but I started speaking peace into the room like a thick wall. Peace soon captured my fear and banished it out of the room.

Fears can change as we get older. When I became a parent, I felt like my battle with fear looked more like the safari ride. Those lions were closer, just begging me to separate myself from the group. When the enemy threatens your child’s well-being or panics you with “what if’s”, it’s brutal! I had to learn to fight fear differently. The Word of God says that we are not given a spirit of fear. (1 Tim 1:7) God does not cause us to be afraid, so fear can never be from Him. God has, however, given us love and sanity! How about that?

Fear makes us nuts. It keeps us away from our destiny and dreams. It haunts our innocence and raids our heroism. It steals our courage and cages our bravery. It silences our love and makes us act crazy! Yet, God says He gives us love and sound thinking! If you are struggling with fear today, cage it by living in its opposite environment--peace. Peace is a fear-killer. Whether you are in a zoo or safari kind of fear, learn to call on the protection of the Lord and stay in the van!