Release Fear to Hope

Susan Stewart is a woman of the Word, and a practical, realistic optimist. In this Hope UPGRADE, she points us to many scriptures that will help us release our fears and move to a solid position of hope in the Lord.

Susan says, “An Inuit saying is, ‘We don’t believe. We only fear.’ Sadly, I think this is what our society has come to.”

I (Dawn) believe there are many ways to conquer fear, but hope in God is certainly one of them. (Depending on the Bible translation, the word "hope" appears anywhere from 133 times to 244 times!) I love how Susan zeroes in on this powerful truth.

Susan continues . . .

I don’t read or listen to “news” much anymore. Much of “breaking news" is dread rather than information: deadly storm coming, inflation going to rise, more people hospitalized. I even saw one headline stating, “Life Gets Hard.”

So negative . . . so fearful . . . so hopeless.

Add to this the stress of our modern life: jobs, kids’ activities, commutes, etc. The fearful news only adds to our everyday tension.

Scientists say fear is natural and can be healthy. As one psychologist said, it’s fear that causes us to jump off a railroad track when a train is coming. Fear can be important to our survival.

But the constant state of fear with associated anxiety disrupts our lives and, in extreme cases, our health. Sadly, even Christians succumb to the fear.

God doesn’t abandon us to fear and stress. Instead, he’s provided about 365 Bible verses about fear—one for each day of the year.

Of those 365, more than 100 verses tell us to “fear not.”

Recognize the Bad Kind of Fear

It’s usually not hard to recognize the bad kind of fear, and for those cases, God’s Word tells us to NOT fear—to choose to stand against it.

• "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV).
• "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV).
• ". . . In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?" (Psalm 56:4 NKJV).
• "So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:6 ESV).

When I read these verses, I learn God doesn’t give me fear. Because he is my God, he will strengthen and help me. I have no reason to be afraid. He is holding me.

When I trust God, what can others do to me? After all, who’s in charge here? God is.

Practice Good, Wisdom-based Fear.

God also gives us specifics about good fear. As Job says, “. . . Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. . .” (28:28). Again, we have a choice.

• ". . . it will be well with those who fear God. . ." (Ecclesiastes 8:12 NKJV)"
• ". . . Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13 ESV).
• ". . . Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart" (1 Samuel 12:24 ESV).
• "You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield" (Psalm 115:11 ESV).
• "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?. . ." (Psalm 27:1).

I hear the loving Father say,

“Fear only me, that’s your duty. I’m your help, shield, light and salvation. Who should you be afraid of? Because you fear me and only me it will be well with you.”

Rejoice in Hope, the Source of Godly Fearlessness

God offers relief from fear through HO. He’s given us more than 100 verse about hope.

• ". . . your faith and hope are in God" (I Peter 1:21 ESV).
• "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23 ESV).
• ". . . Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation. . . " (Psalm 42:5, 11 and again in Psalm 43:5 ESV).
• ". . . we rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:2 ESV).

God tells me in these few verse our hope is in Him. We can count on that hope because He promised, and He is faithful to keep those promises.

We have reason to praise God because of the hope we have from Him.

Job uses the word hope at least 25 times. If Job can have that much hope, why can’t we?

One of my favorite old hymns says, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”

No matter how bleak the world may seem, or news announcements may make it appear, we Christians have nothing to fear.

We have the hope of Jesus in all things.

We can say with the angels, “. . . Fear God and give him glory” (Revelation 14:7 ESV).

What do you fear? How do you fight your fear? Where do you go for hope in a dreary world?

Susan K. Stewart, Managing Editor with Elk Lake Publishing, teaches, writes, and edits non-fiction.  Susan’s passion is to inspire readers with practical, real-world solutions. Her latest book, Donkey Devos: Listening When God Speaks, is a devotional based on life with her donkeys. You can learn more at her website www.susankstewart.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Open Clipart / Vectors and Dorothe, Dark Moon Art, both at Pixabay.

Now He's Alone

Susan K. Stewart is a creative writer, often using what is at hand to teach powerful, practical scriptural truths. In this Hope UPGRADE, she asks us to consider her donkey friend, Jeb.

"Being alone is not pleasant for any of us," Susan says. "Loneliness is made harder because it’s a pain that can’t be seen."

I (Dawn) also believe the pain of loneliness is real, and it's been magnified by the coronavirus lockdowns and restrictions. God has a word of comfort for the lonely, and sometimes He speaks through unusual means—even a donkey's soulful bray.

Susan continues . . .

Jeb hadn’t always been alone. He had family and friends nearby when we met him. Gradually though, they all seemed to move on, leaving him a sad, lonely donkey.

Our life with donkeys began with three jennies from a camp for special needs children. We adopted three of the five therapy animals: Georgia May, Hope, and Shawna. Our neighbor took in the other two: Ellie May and Jeb.

Even though the tiny herd was split up, they stayed in touch with occasional brays. Daily we could hear them chatting back and forth. Even though they couldn’t see each, the “family” knew they were all close by.

A couple of years later, we needed to re-home our three girls. Although the daily family chatter stopped, we could still hear Ellie May and Jeb converse, usually to anyone who would listen.

A few months later, Ellie May disappeared. We don’t know how she got out of the pasture, where she went, or why Jeb didn’t follow.

Now he was alone.

We could hear it in his calls. It sounded as though he were asking, “Where are you?”

Soon the cries for his family decreased, then stopped. Oh, Jeb still joined with other donkeys in the area with the morning donkey grapevine. But he no longer hollered for his family. They were gone.

As time went on, more of the donkey neighbors moved. The morning chatter stopped. No more friendly bantering catching up on the pasture news.

Eventually Jeb moved to our pasture. Our pasture is situated where he can see us throughout the day. While he was acclimating to his new home, we often went out to be sure he knew where the sweet feed was at, make his way to the hay feeder, and be sure he couldn’t work his way out of the gate. He only brayed to announce he was ready to eat.

He was still alone.

Sadly, there are Jebs all around us. People left behind for a number of reasons: friends and family move, a death of loved one, social distancing, and in our overly fast world no one has time to visit. Calls are made for awhile, but eventually when no one answers, they stop.

None of us wants to be a lonely Jeb.

Nor do we want to be the cause of such loneliness.

The writers of Hebrews tells us:

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV).

Here we have an outline to stave off aloneness.

1. The core of these verses is “not neglecting to meet together.”

This doesn’t only apply to attending functions at church. We can meet others where they are at—a coffee shop, their home, a care facility.

In our current world of social distancing and quarantines, it’s too easy to neglect basic fellowship. For those who are house bound, a simple phone call is all that is needed to let them know family and friends are still near—for “meeting together”

2. We’re also told to encourage one another.

One definition of encouragement is “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.”

I like the word “hope,” giving someone hope as a way of encouraging.

Doom and gloom seem to be all around us. We need to depend on each other for positive reports, positive conversation, even positive social media—for hope.

During this time of economic difficulties, encouragement can come in the form of a bag of groceries or a gift card.

Any way we can let others know we see them and we care gives needed support for confident hope.

3. It’s after we reach out and give support we can help “stir up love and good works” in others.

A lonely person may be like our Jeb—going through the motions of each day, but no desire to do much more.

Through our actions, the Jebs in our lives can see love and good works, then move on to share to with others.

Each of us, even when surrounded by others, can feel abandoned and alone. We can even feel God has deserted us. We don’t seem to hear him.

Think of all those who have gone before us who had the same emotions.

• David wrote, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?”
• How much more alone could Jonah have felt?
• Jesus cried on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34)

Then came the morning. God was there. He is there.

While we may be alone for a while, we are never deserted. Our companion, Jesus Christ, is walking with us, even when we don’t see him.

Do you feel alone? How can you move from loneliness to hope to encouragement?

Susan K. Stewart is the Managing Nonfiction Editor with Elk Lake Publishing Inc. She tends her donkeys, chickens, and various other creatures with her husband Bob on a small ranch in Central Texas. Susan’s passion is to inspire readers with practical, real-world solutions. Her book, Donkey Devos: Listen to your donkey when God speaks, is due out early next year. Learn more at her website:  www.practicalinspirations.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Anna ER at Pixabay.

Listen to Your Donkey!

Susan K. Stewart is practical and wise. She often sees lessons in the simplest things. In this Spiritual Growth UPGRADE, she encourages us to listen for God's voice in His Word, but also in other "messengers" He might send to us.

"Have you heard the story of Balaam’s donkey (Numbers 22)—the talking donkey?" Susan said. "Recently I dug a little deeper and learned more about the circumstances that prompted this animal to speak."

I (Dawn) have often thought this was one of the strangest accounts in the Bible. But Susan sheds some insight on this remarkable story.

Susan continues . . .

Balaam was a prophet who didn’t always put the Word of God first in his life.

Balak, king of Moab, was troubled by all those Israelites roaming in the desert, and he feared losing his kingdom to them. He decided the best thing to do was get a prophet of God to curse the Hebrews.

Balak chose Balaam.

On Balak’s first attempt to entice Balaam, God tells Balaam not to go and not to curse Israel. Balaam tells Balak’s messengers God won’t let him go, but fails to mention the not cursing part.

Balaam was partially obedient. He omitted the part he didn’t really agree with.

Balak was not a man to be stopped. He sent a second group of emissaries appealing to Balaam’s love of money. Once again, Balaam said he needed to talk to God.

We know God had already given his instructions: Don’t go. Don’t curse.

God let Balaam have his way, but God wasn’t happy about it. In fact, Scripture tells us God was angry (Num 22:22). God allowed Balaam to go with Balak’s servants; God still forbade the cursing of Israel.

The next morning, Balaam saddled his now famous donkey and rode off to Moab.

God sent an angel to block Balaam’s path to self-destruction. This angel had his sword drawn, ready for battle. The angel wasn’t bringing a message of glad tidings or joy. The heavenly creature was bringing warning and was prepared to enforce God’s command.

The donkey did what any smart creature would do: She stopped.

The donkey wasn’t being stubborn. True to her nature, she was being cautious. Why would anyone want to move forward in the path of God’s messengers brandishing a sword?

Balaam beat the creature until she spoke up.

Aren’t we guilty of not heeding God’s instructions?

How often do we think partial obedience is fine?

Too often, we, like Balaam, press forward with our plan presuming the blessing of God. Can you not see God on his throne slapping His forehead: “Didn’t I tell her not to do that?”

I’m thankful God has not chosen to send a warrior angel to stop me. I’m sure I would cower much like that little donkey did. Still I wonder, would I be like Balaam and lash out at those around me, those who try to warn me, instead of looking at the problem?

I’m afraid sometimes I’m a Balaam.

What can we do to NOT be a Balaam?

1. Listen to God.

God spoke directly to Balaam.

Oh, how many times I wished to hear directly from the mouth of God. My goodness, I’d accept an email. I like to think that, unlike Balaam, I would heed God’s direction.

2. After hearing God’s Word, follow His direction.

How many times does God speak to us in various way, but we don’t really listen? It doesn’t have to be big commandments, like don’t steal or murder. It can be a small thing, like don’t go to that town.

3. Follow God’s instructions—completely.

Too often we pick the parts we like and ignore what we don’t.

This is only partial obedience, and it can land us in a mess with only one way out—obeying God fully, which we should have done in the first place.

4. Don’t rush in as a fool.

Satan knows our weaknesses and uses them against us.

Balaam had a weakness for money and acclaim. Satan used that to get Balaam to do his bidding. He foolishly rushed to satisfy his weakness, no matter the cost.

5. Open your eyes.

Balaam was focused on his own gain, not on God’s instructions. He could only see what appealed to him: gold and fame.

He was blind to anything from God, even a sword-wielding, angelic warrior.

6. Look for God’s messenger.

God picks the way to get His message to us, and He will get his message through to us.

Balaam was so set on doing things his way, he didn’t see the godly messenger. It took the little donkey.

God uses what we will heed.

7. Stop.

We must stop whatever it is we are doing when we can’t go further. God may be blocking the way.

Stop, rethink, pause and pray.

Don’t try to keep pushing forward. Rest and seek God.

Sometimes it takes the inconsequential—like a meek, little donkey—to get our attention.

We need to listen.

When God opens the mouth of YOUR donkey, are you listening?

Susan K. Stewart, Acquisition Editor with Elk Lake Publishing, teaches, writes, and edits non-fiction. Susan’s passion is to inspire readers with practical, real-world solutions. Her books include Science in the Kitchen, Preschool: At What Cost? and the award-winning Formatting e-Books for Writers. Her latest book, Donkey Devos: Listening to Your Donkey When God Speaks, is scheduled to be released in the summer, 2020. You can learn more at her website—www.practicalinspirations.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesty of JacLou DL at Pixabay.

A Christian Response to Suicide

Note: This article is run to coincide with National Suicide Prevention Month—September 2019. If you or someone youi know is in an emergency, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or call 911 immediately.

Susan K. Stewart offers practical solutions to real-world problems. In this special Health UPGRADE, she encourages people to take a biblical view of a tough issue: suicide.

"'I tried to hang myself.'

"Shock does not convey my feelings," Susan says, "when my son spoke these words over the phone."

I (Dawn) recently tried to help a neighbor whose nephew took his own life. As I shared words of hope with my neighbor and her sister, I saw first-hand the deep, stigmatized pain in those left behind. I'm grateful for people like Susan who help us understand positive, biblical ways to address suicide and encourage others.

Susan continues . . .

I am the one in the family who remains calm during a crisis, falling apart afterwards. I tried to sound calm and collected. All I could manage “Why did you do that?”

This scene came flooding back when I heard over the phone just days ago, “Judy committed suicide.”

The family member who called went on to explain the circumstances, but I didn’t hear. My mind was back twenty years when I received the call from my son.

The shock of the news; the relief my son was still alive.

While I was processing the memory, the caller made another statement that gave me pause: “She was so religious. I didn’t think she’d ever do something like this.”

Yes, our loved one was a Christian. Yes, she did rely on God. Yes, she took her own life. Does that mean she wasn’t a “true” Christian? Does that mean she missed out on eternal life?

Why is it non-believers think believers won’t end their lives?

Why will some Christians condemn Judy for taking her life and also my son for attempting?

The church I grew up in taught suicide was an unforgivable sin because it is the taking of a life, murder, for which the person is unable to seek forgiveness. I couldn’t reconcile the love of Jesus with the shunning of families whose loved one had died at their own hand.

I later learned the only unpardonable sin is the blasphemy or, as it is translated in The Message, “when you reject the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 12:31). Total rejection of God.

If some churches teach the taking on one’s life is unpardonable, no wonder those outside the church think someone who is “religious” would not do such a thing. Why would a Christian do a such thing and not be able to be forgiven?

In Judy’s case, physical pain was so overwhelming even the heavy doses of narcotic prescriptions couldn’t overcome it. Her physical pain caused emotional and mental pain for which she was seeking relief.

What can we do to help believers and non-believers through the tragedy of suicide without guilt or condemnation?

1. Treat the family of a suicide victim as we would any other family grieving.

Prepare meals, offer to sit silently, pray with them, offer a comforting memorial service.

This family is facing a double burden:

• grieving the loss of a loved one, and
• reconciling the act itself.

They may be dealing with the belief their loved one committed an unforgiveable sin.

2. Understand the unique nature of the death.

Suicide is different than other deaths because of misunderstandings and stigma attached. The family members may be embarrassed or angry with themselves for not recognizing the classic signs.

Some families do not want the suicide revealed. While this sets up a veil of secrecy, which in itself may be destructive, we need to be respectful of their wishes.

3. Walk through the process

Immediately following the death, a police report will be taken. Family members and friends will be interviewed.

Having someone sit in support during this process takes the sting away.

Most cases of a suicide require an autopsy will be performed. Sometimes this process can take more than a month. There will be no body to bury for a long while. For some, this is an added burden to the grief.

Often not considered is clean up. Often that clean up will be the task of the family … an unbearable task. Someone may be needed to handle the details.

If the death is in the home, immediate family may need some place to stay. The offer of a quiet bedroom or a place for children to be comfortable may be welcome and better than staying in a hotel.

4. Help find support in the following weeks and months

Death by suicide isn’t ordinary. The grief is different.

Yes, loved ones will go through the various stages, but they may get stuck in the anger stage. Anger at themselves as well as their loved one.

Unanswerable questions are asked. Loved ones need the support of those who have walked the road. If a local group isn’t available, individual support may be needed.

I’m thankful my son’s attempt to take his life was unsuccessful. Although it was painful, the experience changed me.

"As God has comforted me, I am able to comfort others" (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

It isn’t necessary to have experienced a loved one’s suicide to help.

• Learn how to help.
• Speak to church leaders.
• Seek God.
• If called, step out in faith.

What would God have you do to support those grieving a loss from suicide?

Susan K. Stewart, Acquisition Editor with Elk Lak Publishing, is a teacher, writer, and speaker known for practical solutions to real-world situations. Her books include Harried Homeschooler’s Handbook: Finding Hope in the Havoc, Preschool: At What Cost?, Science in the Kitchen: Fearless Science at Home for All Ages, the award-winning Formatting e-Books for Writers. She brings her inspiring and encouraging messages to online and in-person conferences about homeschooling, writing, and editing. The Stewarts live in Central Texas with their three dogs, three cats, nine chickens, and a couple of donkeys. They have three children and six grandchildren. You can read more of Susan’s practical solutions at www.practicalinspirations.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesty of Richard Mcall at Pixabay.

How to Be a Donkey

I'm not surprised Susan Stewart wrote this post. After all, she does care for animals—and I don't mean the human kind! But Susan is also a great teacher, and this Palm Sunday UPGRADE encourages readers to think outside the box and "be a donkey" for the Lord's use.

“Palm Sunday is coming,” Susan says. “A day when Christians around the world commemorate Jesus’s triumphal entry in to Jerusalem. The king entering his earthly kingdom.”

I (Dawn) love Palm Sunday. It's a reminder that another special Sunday is coming! But it also reminds me how fickle a crowd can be when it comes to Jesus.

Susan continues . . .

Oh, the reception He received! The people were ready to be freed from the tyranny of the Roman oppressors.

Many were expecting him to arrive on a horse as the military ruler to overthrow Caesar’s army. Instead they saw a man coming on a donkey … the lowly donkey.

Why?

Jesus was coming as a ruler, but not a ruler coming to battle. Horses were a symbol of war. Kings rode horses into battle. Jesus was riding as a ruler coming in peace. Kings rode donkeys in time of peace.

Let’s look a little deeper at this small, young beast.

Eric Davis, a veterinarian from University of California expressed what many of us think, “Donkeys are the least of the least.” Thought of as stupid, stubborn beasts of burden, these animals don’t seem worthy of the task of carrying a king, much less the king of the universe. Certainly not what the Israelites in Jerusalem expected.

The Gospels tell us Jesus sent his disciples into the village of Bethpage to find the animal he was to ride. He knew where this donkey and her colt would be tied up. Jesus was even prepared for the owner to question the disciples about taking them.

When they started to untie the animals, the disciples were questioned. Jesus prepared his friends, “If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately’” (Mark 11:3). They followed Jesus’s instructions, and the owner let them go (Mark 11:6).

Like me, you may not be surprised the animals were tied up. Here they were waiting for Jesus. After all, although described as the least of the least, the small equines were valuable for work. Their owners didn’t want them to wander off, especially a mother and her colt.

The restraint shows ownership. They needed to be untied to serve him. As instructed, the disciples untied them to take the animals to Jesus.

The poor donkey has a reputation of being stubborn. Often, they will not go where people think they need to go. This is not stubbornness, this is caution. A donkey may refuse to even cross a shadow if it is unfamiliar with the path and thinks there may be danger.

There is no indication this pair resisted. They willingly went. After being untied, they followed the men back to Jesus. Mother donkey didn’t have a sense of danger.

Like most animals in the equine family, donkeys need to be trained for the service they render. Mark indicates Jesus rode the colt. Likely untrained, it didn’t balk at the task it was to perform.

Donkeys can also be loving and trusting of humans they encounter. This colt trusted Jesus and allowed the man on his back.

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the donkey, he related to the common people. He didn’t set himself above them with a grand entrance. He rode not just a donkey, but a small young donkey. The king was on a humble creature.

On Palm Sunday we may enter our places of worship to repeat what the people did. We rejoice with songs of hosanna and shouts of praise.

Should we maybe enter in, emulating the donkey?

1. Do we need to be untied?

Each of us desires to serve God. Far too often we are tied up to work, leisure, friends, and so much more the world tells us is important. We also may need to be untied from burdens, guilt, cares, addictions, even devices.

When we allow the Holy Spirit to untie us, we are free to serve.

2. Do we go in peace?

Have you ever argued with God? I have. Surely, Lord, you don’t understand.

When God speaks, I should be listening. Then follow peacefully without question.

3. Do we trust?

The colt would naturally follow the mom donkey. But mom would have been more cautious, even defensive for her child.

She followed. She trusted. She didn’t show any signs of stubbornness.

The colt trusted Jesus. This colt had no training, had never been ridden before. That didn’t keep it from doing the assigned task.

4. Are we humble in our service?

Jesus rode humbly on the donkey. The donkey, the least of the least, was not showy, didn’t stand out from the crowd. This little guy just went about the assigned task.

Ouch. We don’t mean to. We don’t consciously seek attention or accolades. But, let’s be honest, we do like it when we are noticed serving.

While we are rejoicing at the coming of our king ...

Let’s pray:

• to be “untied” yet free,
• trusting,
• peaceful
  
• and humble servants as a donkey.

Regarding the mentioned four ways to be like a donkey, which still needs some work in your own life?

Susan K. Stewart—when she’s not tending chickens and donkeys—teaches, writes, and edits non-fiction. Susan’s passion is to inspire readers with practical, real-world solutions. Her books include Science in the Kitchen and Preschool: At What Cost? plus the award-winning Formatting e-Books for Writers. You can learn more at her website www.practicalinspirations.com.

Graphic of donkey adapted, courtesy of Malcolumbus at Pixabay.