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God's light defeats darkness

Once again Oct. 31 comes around. It is not my favorite time.

I call it a “celebration of fear.” I don’t like to be scared, even as a joke. Fear is not of God. It is an evil force. “God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid, but a spirit of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7 NCV).

Fear is a negative force that destroys faith. It cripples, paralyzes and torments. It removes peace and causes a chain attraction in others.

In the physical realm, fear causes many reactions. It’s called “fight or flee” syndrome. In either case the body is filled with adrenaline. If no fight or flight happens, the adrenaline has to go somewhere in your body, causing many bad reactions such as high blood pressure, rapid heart beat and other negative forces.

Fear is not of God. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6 NIV).

Fear comes in many forms and its devious ways are multiplied heavily once a stronghold has been established. Fear comes in “what ifs” while waiting for a medical report. It comes when the telephone rings at midnight. Fear is a giant ogre and a hideous monster. Someone has called fear a toothless lion with only a roar. Why do we let fear grip us? Does not the “Greater One” live in his child? The One who created us is not able to deliver us? What can you do about it anyway if you have done all you can? Living and walking in fear ruins everyday living.

Maybe your health is not the best. Trust God anyway. Maybe your children are rebellious. Never stop praying and trust God anyway. Maybe your finances are meager.

Are you fearful of old age? “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread” (Psalm 37:25 NIV).

Fear is the opposite of faith and robs trust in a loving God. So let’s grow in our faith. Find your situation in God’s word. Find the promise that applies to your situation. Memorize it. Let it sink way down into your spirit. Repeat it out loud as many times as it takes to take root. God’s word does not return to him void. Exercise your authority as a child of God. Trust God to bring out the best. Sing praises and shout the victory.

Praise God in any situation you find yourself. Thank him that he is working all things for your good for a total victory in your life. I have just signed a contract for a new book entitled, “A Time For Praise.” God inhabits the praises of his people and how we need him.

Halloween is not for me. To me, it is a celebration of darkness. “God is light and there is no darkness in him at all” 1 (John 1:5 NCV).

I have a dear friend whose birthday is Oct. 31. I tell her she is the blessing God sent in his “light” to shine over the darkness.

We’ve been delivered from darkness.

Celebrate God’s light of life.

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is:

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