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5Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," 6we can boldly quote,
God is there, ready to help;
I'm fearless no matter what.
Who or what can get to me?
Hebrews 13.5-6, The Message
A man was walking in the countryside. Suddenly, he came upon a pack of wild dogs. He was afraid, so he immediately sat down in their midst.
Among the lessons of this Jewish parable is the truth of how to dissolve fear. As a boy, when feeding the swine, I was taught by my dad not to allow a sow (translated, “mama hog”) to sense any fear from me. Mama hogs often become aggressive after birthing little pigs. To allow the sow to sense my fear, I was told, would increase the chances of her attacking me. So, one lesson of the parable is the wisdom of not allowing other persons to sense our fear when we are under malicious observation or direct attack. Often, angry persons will be inflamed more if they can get us to react in like anger. Anger feeds anger. And, often if not always, anger arises from some fear. So, by not reacting we can calm our own fear but, also, more likely defuse the aggressiveness of other persons. Likewise, another way to dissolve fear is not to run away. Generally, fear is magnified by denial or delay. So, befriending our fear is an important lesson in the spiritual journey. Then, the fear can be released and become positive energy for taking action, being proactive rather than reactive.
Spiritual Exercise: Prayerfully reflect on the opening passage from Hebrews 13.5-6? What does it mean to befriend our fear? How does the passage link the Presence of God with confidence? Does fearless mean without fear or acting in spite of fear? Explain. How might fear be related to obsession with getting more material things? Explain. Is there a fear you need to ask God to help you face? Does a friend or family member need your help in facing a fear?
OneLife Ministries is a pastoral outreach and nurture ministry of the First United Methodist Church, Fort Meade, FL. For Spiritual Direction, Pastoral Counseling, spiritual formation workshops, Christian meditation retreats, or more information about OneLife, write Rev. Dr. Brian K. Wilcox at briankwilcox@comcast.net.
Brian's book of mystical love poetry, An Ache for Union, can be ordered through major bookdealers.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
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