Recently I posted about a spiritual attack I had been under. My thoughts were being bombarded and the attack was even manifesting in the physical realm. I recognized FEAR and a sense of FOREBODING coming against me. (I can’t believe I lived like that 24 hours a day for YEARS. See my testimony in the navigation bar at the top.) I was awakened around 3am several days in a row. During that time I felt fear coming against my thoughts and though I tried to capture them and focus on the Lord, it was like it was a full assault on my mind.
Thankfully, God revealed an open door that allowed all of this foolishness, but through this process I have had an “a ha” moment.
I was always fearful growing up and it carried into my adulthood. Through Christ, I have overcome so much of that fear, but now I must deal with the companion of fear. Do you know his name? I believe it is DREAD.
Dread:
Verb
To fear greatly.
To feel extreme reluctance.
Noun
Great fear especially in the face of impending evil.
Deuteronomy 28:65-67 Among those nations you will find no repose, no resting place for the sole of your foot. There the LORD will give you an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing, and a despairing heart. You will live in constant suspense, filled with dread both night and day, never sure of your life. In the morning you will say, “If only it were evening!” and in the evening, “If only it were morning!”-because of the terror that will fill your hearts and the sights that your eyes will see.
It is not meant for God’s children to DREAD anyone but Him (a holy fear of His Majesty). From the scripture above, dread is almost like a curse and it is true that it makes you feel uncertain — never settled, never at peace.
Isaiah 8:13
The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, He is the one you are to fear, He is the one you are to dread …
I am ashamed to say it, but God really placed His light in my life to show me the DREAD that had stained my garments. Seriously, if I’m completely honest with you, the phrase, “I dread …” began 90% of my sentences — even if I didn’t vocalize it. No matter the event, “Ugh! I dread getting ready. I dread finding something to wear. Sigh … why can’t I just stay home?” It was such a part of my life that I didn’t REALIZE what I was doing.
This morning we were scheduled to go to the mountains. I have a nasty head cold and it was snowing. Was I excited to go? Well, my dear husband got my attention when he said, “I know you don’t want to go. I heard you telling someone that you dreaded going.” Ouch! Did I actually say it out loud!?!?!? CONVICTION! I said, “No Honey, I want to go! I’m sorry!”
With that said, I suddenly realized how much DREAD was a part of my life — even my thought-life. I immediately changed my words and said, “I am excited to go! Father, thank You for the opportunity to go somewhere with my family!” It changed my outlook and my attitude.
Even though our trip was canceled by my husband due to the weather in the mountains (and my cold), my heart was happy to go and I was ready.
For those of you who have struggled with fear, check your hearts and see if traces of dread are lingering too. I do believe they travel hand in hand.
Forgive me Father for dreading any part of this beautiful gift of LIFE that You have given me. I pray I see each day as a new adventure. In Jesus’ Name.
I used to live in fear, too. I was actually (unintentionally)raised that way. Though I still lapse into it from time to time, I praise God that I don't LIVE like that anymore!
I hope you feel better soon!
… for God has not given us the sprit of fear, but that of a sound mind..
Yup, fear is definately NOT of God.
Thank for sharing this..
Hope you are feeling much better..
Much Love x
Beth, This post touched me. I too have dread in an area of my life. Time and time again I confess and turn that dread over to the Lord. Awesome verse in Isaiah about only fearing our Father. I love posts like this one that show how the Holy Spirit convicts us and moves us in the right direction. Hope your cold feels better. You are precious to me!! Pray for Ang's back as she was having problems with it today and having to take pain meds. Love ya!
Good post! So glad you were able to have the A HA moment because when you can pull out the true root and replace it with a godly one! You know it will then begin to bear HIS fruit!
Bless you Beth
Amen! I know I have battled with the "dreads" for much of my life as well. I will hear your words ringing in my ears each time I utter that word from now on and hopefully, stop and change directions.
Hope you get to feeling better! Stay inside where it is nice and warm this weekend.
(((hugs)))
Praying for the God of Armor to cover you and your family with protection. Have a great weekend and hope you're feeling better.
Although I have never walked in fear, there are plenty of other things that have attached themselves to me that I am trying to get off – self doubt, self hatred, worry, anxiety, depression. There are others. God is so good to reveal these things to us. I am thankful for this revelation for you. I pray you feel better soon!
Such a great post sis, love you.
Praying that God gives you a sense of comfort and strength through this.
Praise the Lord Beth! Great moments of revelation from the LORD is awesome isn't it?! Amen. I'm praying for you sister! You're heart of transparency is always a blessing!!!
Love ya!
Beth…you are such an incredible blessing! I always come away from visiting you with a fresh new perspective on life and faith. Thank you a million times over!
I love your posts, Beth. They're so open and honest! You always minister to me!
POWERFUL post girl and filled with God's truth to fight off that spirit of dread..those foreboding thoughts (premonitions of evil tidings)..I so related to 'living for most of my life like this'…
I've come to realize that that though I have freedom in Christ, I MUST be diligent to keep that freedom in take because the enemy DOES try to steal doesn't he?
((hugs))