Focus 2020 – The Great Commission: Perspectives from LeadersSample

Fear in the Mind Creates Stress in the Body  

Bible passage: 

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— 

For He grants sleep to those he loves. (Psalm 127:1–2) 

Devotional: 

Years ago, I was in a hard season. Anxious thoughts raced through my mind day and night. My stomach was a mess, and my hair filled the shower drain. When with my kids, I wasn’t really there. When with my wife, every conversation was about struggle, strife, and stress. One night, I tucked my kids into bed, prayed with them, and sang a song of thanksgiving. My words were there, but my heart and mind were somewhere else. 

On this night, my sons asked me to lay on the floor of their bedroom while they fell asleep. I told them I could not, because I was planning to spend my evening reading my Bible and talking to God. So I kissed them good night and headed downstairs to be with the Lord. 

As God would have it, I was ready to begin a new study, and the stress of the season was making it hard for me to decide which direction to go. So, I did the very thing I discourage my church to do. I prayed and opened my Bible randomly. Here’s what the Lord showed me: 

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— 

For He grants sleep to those he loves. (Psalm 127:1–2) 

I literally smiled and chuckled out loud. God could not have been any clearer to me that evening. Either he is building my life, or I am. If He is building it, I need only to live for Him and entrust to Him the rest. He has never failed me, and He will not start now.  

Notice His good gifts too: Food to eat and sleep. The very things that I was desperately struggling to enjoy. That was not all God intended to say to me that night.   

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. (Psalm 127:3–5) 

God is good (Mark 10:18), and His good gifts include my children. That night they wanted to be “with” their daddy, just like I wanted to be “with” my Heavenly Father. I knew I had to change and trust my Father again to build both His house and my home. I am reminded that the first disciples any of us make are the ones in our own homes.  

Quote: “Fear in the mind creates stress in the body.” —Mark Driscoll 

Question: Is God calling you back into a relationship of trust in Him? How can you enjoy God’s good gifts in this season? 

Matt Nickoson 

Lead Pastor, Kingsway Christian Church