Through all of my anxiety, in spite of my cheerful demeanor, I am majorly stressed out and anxious. Intellectually, I know this isn’t where God wants me to be.
This reminds me of the season when sex majorly stressed me out. Intellectually, I knew that lack of sexual intimacy wasn’t a healthy place for my marriage and it was not where God wanted me to be.
So, if the topic of sex majorly stresses you out and makes you anxious, I’d like to offer this encouragement. It helped me a lot this week.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV), “So, do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will Strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
If this is telling us NOT to fear, logically, can’t we infer that it is telling us to be “unfearful” or fearless? What are some other words that mean lack of fear?
Assured
Calm
Composed
Confident
Contented
Delighted
Eased
Secured
Tranquil
Trusting
For me, it’s not enough to just think repeat “don’t be afraid,” over and over again. Just getting rid of fear isn’t the answer. You have to replace it with something. Getting rid of fear, just leaves an empty space that will easily fill up with trepidation all over again. Putting something positive in its place helps you move from being unsure and scared to calm.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV), “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
You, and I, have to remember:
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV), “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
With a sound mind, reel in those frantic emotions and replace them with calm, composed, and assured thoughts. Something wonderful is about to happen. Wait and see.
Romans 15:13 (NIV), “May the God of hope fill you with all peace and joy as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
It’s all going to be fine, more than fine actually. It’s going to be hope-filled, peace-filled, and joy-filled.
Fear…wasnt that the first human response by both sexes to their original sin? Fear of being naked and being found naked before God…I find that very illuminating. I’m so thankful for you and your fellow bloggers for shedding your personal fears about sex while offering so much information that can help all of us deal gracefully with ourselves and our spouses. I think the church has done believers a disservice by not availing your offerings to a wider audience of needful couples.
God’s blessing to all of you
Wendell
Wendell, Thanks for your support in our work. Word of mouth is the best way to spread my message and the message of my fellow bloggers. So, tell everyone you know about these great marriage resources. 🙂
In Christ,
Bonny