I just finished J. Flavel’s classic, The Mystery of Providence,
and then I found his work, Triumphing Over Sinful Fear. Had to take my Pastor to task for that – he
told me about the work on Providence but not the one on Fear. I have to wonder what other treasures he’s
hiding (laugh-out-loud –hahaha).
Anyway – this version of the book I am reading is a well
“modernized” edition – so the 17th century language hurdle isn’t
there.
Fear is “gooba”- that’s good and bad. Flavel presents us with three kinds of fear.
Natural fear “It is the trouble or
agitation of mind that arises when we perceive approaching evil or impending
danger. It is not always sinful, but it is always the fruit and
consequence of sin. Natural fear is a
pure and simple passion of the soul.”
Religious fear: “There is a holy and laudable fear, which
is our treasure, not our torment. But
the awful, filial fear of God is the natural passion sanctified—changed and
baptized into the name and nature of a spiritual grace.”
Sinful fear: “Arises from unbelief—an unworthy distrust of
God. Sinful fear is the disordered and
corrupt passion of the soul.”
Flavel,
John (2011-12-27). Triumphing Over Sinful Fear (Puritan Treasures for Today) Reformation Heritage Books. Kindle Edition.
I’m really excites about getting
into this book. Fear is a biggy for a
lot of us especially in these terrible times.
There are so many things we all face and they loom so very BIG in our
minds and hearts. A focused study
concerning fear can only help us grow and be strengthened.
I was reflecting on God’s provision
yesterday and I was getting a little anxious about our needs when it hit
me. Yesterday – we had everything we
needed! We didn’t lack for
anything.
Then the little voices in my head
started to go to work. Sins of the past,
stupid moves, unfaithfulness – all of that began to squeeze my heart. Realizing where this came from (the dark one)
I began to respond with all the grace and mercy God has and is pouring out on
Patti and me.
Oh, I agreed with those voices
about each and every accusation. However
I responded with, “But Jesus…………” What a
powerful moment! No heavenly chorus, no
feeling of warmth or light just a quietness and sense of comfort. Sure – every sin that was brought to my mind
was tight on the money. But when the
voices started to tell me that because of them God was punishing me I refused
to buy it – by the blood of the Redeemer.
I made it plain that God is disciplining us but that there was no
punishment!
Fear can cripple. Fear can tear down. Fear can distract us from grace and
mercy. Fear can make us question God’s
might and love. But only if we do not
remember whose we are and what he has done, is doing and can do.
When fear assaults us it is good
to remember all He has done. At the end
of Flavel’s book on Providence he strongly recommends keeping a journal or some
sort of record of Gods provisions, past and present. OK – I am a writer but I’ve always felt a
little dumb doing a journal thing. But,
in faith, I started.
I carry a little notebook in my
back pocket and my trusty “space-pen” in another pocket and I make a simple not
of His provision(s). It’s not a “Dear
diary” thing. I just make a short note;
a name, a time, whatever. Just enough
for me to remember. I also mark my
notes. I use a “!” for
praise/thanksgiving, a “?” for concerns, a (-) for needs and a (+) for good
stuff (I have a lot of “!+” in my notebook.
This has made a powerful
difference for me as I go through the day.
And at night as Patti and I kneel for prayer I am ready to offer both
praise and petition from a knowing place.
I’m probably going to add some
mark like ($) to record the fears that come to mind as well. I picked the $ sign because that seems to be
a real sharp stick for me.
I can’t give a glowing recommendation
for Flavel’s book on Fear since I haven’t read all of it – but if it is
anything like his work on Providence – WOW!
I’ve created me a little “thing”
I will use when I am afraid. I’ve based
it upon a scripture text.
Jesus said:
Fear not, therefore;
you are of more value than many sparrows. Mat 10:31
So, when fear comes I will “Fear” and examine the cause of
the fear – if it is natural or religious fear – then I will prayerfully deal with
it. If it is sinful fear then I will “not.” Fear----Not!
I’m also trying to think like a sparrow - ;-}}}}}}}
No comments:
Post a Comment