Box Up Your Fears

I've been reading a new book and taking notes. The book is called Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow. I'm sure I will be re-reading it several times too. I have gained some insight into the short comings of my faith during this time. She gives a number of ref. to read that support her testimony. Philippians 4:11-13, Psalm 16:5, Psalm 139:23-24, and many more. My favorite is: I Peter 5:7, "You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern." I'm learning that the gift of Christ carrying our burdens is more than a gift to us. Our ability to let go and let God is a reflection of our true connection to him. This is our faith at work every day.
Linda tells a story of a man who walked over a cavern on a tight rope pushing a dog in a box. He completes this several times before asking the audience if they believed he could carry a man across in the same manner. Everyone in the audience agrees that he could. But, when he invites from the someone in the audience to take the dogs seat for the next trip across, no one steps forward. This is a great example of abstract faith. "I believe for you but not for me." Linda also gives an example of how she handles her fears. She writes her fears down, prays over them, turning them over to God, and then puts the box away. She may have to come back to the box several times but she is still on her journey toward becoming like Christ. She will have the complete strength of faith when she reaches her distention. But, until then, she is growing and learning to truly lean on God. Last night I made a box for my fears. I took an old heart shaped valentine box and stenciled it up. I cut up note paper and added a pen inside the box. I want to be ready to unload when I need too. God Bless