#208 "Evil Forebodings"

So it's Tuesday again. Here I sit, with my fingers poised over the keys. That's about all that's poised right now. I have a million thoughts running through my head, but nothing that's making it's way down the circuits from my brain to my fingertips. I need to write something. It's Tuesday. My title is "Tuesdays with Jesus", right? 

I'm thinking about how the meteorologists predicted severe storms in our area yesterday. I laughed when I saw that my man had put the sprinkler out in the morning. But I guess the joke was on me because it never rained; at least not in our neck of the woods. 

I had some profound statement to make about that a few minutes ago. I didn't write it down and now it's gone. I hate when that happens.

It had something to do with the way we get all worked up over storms that we think are on their way into our lives. I've heard them called "evil forebodings."

We're about to have a conversation with someone, and we imagine the worst exchange. We have to go to the doctor and get our test results, and we imagine the worst possible diagnosis. Our child is late coming home, and we imagine the dreaded telephone call. We shake and quiver and feel nauseous. The mind races, the stomach turns, and the knees get weak. 

We did get a few ominous clouds appearing overhead, and the winds kicked up. But it never rained. It never stormed. No thunder. No lightning. The sun came out. The winds turned to light breezes and the clouds became light and puffy.

Just like those evil forebodings. How many times have your worst fears NEVER come to pass? You realize how ridiculous you were being and you became ashamed by your lack of faith. Why on earth do we do that?

Your enemy, the devil, throws some pretty hefty darts and aims right for your mind. A dart of evil foreboding here. A flaming arrow of unnecessary fear there. 

When you hear thunder in the distance and the storm clouds are gathering over your head, there is only one thing to do.   

Ephesians 6:16 

Feed your faith and your fear will starve to death. Put the shield of faith in one hand and wield the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, with the other.  

"We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5 NCV)

Straight out, don't be afraid of imaginary things. The skies can look fierce. The winds may howl. But that doesn't always mean that a storm will come. I guess I had something to say after all.

"I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened."
Mark Twain