Psalm 38:18 English Standard Version (ESV) I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.

The biggest difference between mankind and animals is that animals don’t feel sorry for themselves. Regret is a powerful emotion. It can change lives. It is so powerful that it can cripple us.

Jeremiah 50:6-7 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁶ “My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray, turning them away on the mountains. From mountain to hill they have gone. They have forgotten their fold. ⁷ All who found them have devoured them, and their enemies have said, ‘We are not guilty, for they have sinned against the Lord, their habitation of righteousness, the Lord, the hope of their fathers.’

We allow others to guilt us into submission. We follow because of fear because we have lost faith or never had faith. We become like sheep when all we can do is follow our animal instincts. Survival is basic to all life, no matter its form. Man is capable of being so overcome with sorrows that he will contemplate ending his own life.

We consider ourselves as having the greatest intellect yet are the most fragile creatures when it comes to mental health. Our greatest enemy knows this and will use our emotions to cripple us. His only weapon is lies and when it comes to lies his greatest lie is the truth.

“You are not worthy.”

Ephesians 4:4-6 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁴ There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Being found in Christ and Christ in us, our worthiness is no longer the issue. Having surrendered we are called to serve and being called is all that matters. Stop listening to the lies. Don’t live with regret.

Revelation 2:10a English Standard Version (ESV) Do not fear what you are about to suffer.

Conversations have been heard about the future. Preparations are being made to face what a person’s vision is of the near future. Is that vision fear or faith?

History teaches us what man is capable of doing. The bible teaches us what God is capable of doing.

Prophecy isn’t always pretty. Words have been heard; “I don’t want to live to see that.” Words have replied; “I am getting ready now.”

Sadly those words came from two believers who admit to themselves that they do not spend enough time with the Lord. This leads me to believe those words are generated by fear not faith.

Noah prepared for the flood because of faith. A soul prepared for the future seek comfort by faith, not in preparing for a vision created by fear. The interesting part for me is in listening to the conversation that begins with “I think.”

Faith nearly always flies in the face of reason. The bible is full of examples of men that said to God, “I can’t.” God’s reply was “Not to worry, I can.”

This pandemic season has given rise to two camps, panic and prayer. Panic leads us to bad choices, prayer leads us to God’s will. If we can stay in God’s will, we have nothing to fear from an uncertain future. God will do what God does best, love us and abide in us.

What do you hear in conversations? Fear or faith?