The Tracks Of My Tears Ps 42:3

I wrote this several years ago for ONE Magazine it is about my battle with depression and anxiety 

Psalms 42:3  My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

I wept when I told my board, I wept when I told my church, and I wept  when I told my family, After 27 Years as Pastor at Jerome Free Will Baptist Church I found I could no longer do what was needed to successfully lead a growing church I had entered a profound depression along with panic attacks. I got to the point that I would wait in the parking lot till it was time to start church then I would go in and stumble through a sermon and leave as soon as possible afterward.  They say a going pastor builds a coming church but visitation became out of the question, It got where I couldn't handle one more problem.  My life had become distant from family and my church people.  The Church which had been vibrant and growing was now struggling and shrinking, and it was my fault.

 Here is how I described it in my resignation letter to my Church.

“...Ministry is hard arduous work. It can put a profound strain on a pastors marriage and on  his children. several years ago my wife entered a doctors care for depression and anxiety issues and at the end of last year and the begging of this year I have entered a doctors care for depression and anxiety. I have started having panic attacks and chest pains that I thought was a heart attack. I have been having the panic attacks on a weekly basis and the chest pains are a regular part of my life though I am assured by the doctor it is not a heart attack instead it it stress related.  I am saddened to find myself unable to carry my own load of stress much less the heavy load that a pastor must carry to be effective in his calling. So it is with a heavy heart that I must tender my resignation as pastor of this amazing Church that has been so kind to me and my family over these last three decades...” 

the reason I am telling you my tale is to attract my tribe. Could there be other pastors, and pastors families who are struggling with depression and anxiety?

Could they find help and a happier ending, is there hope for them?

I believe so.

My BIG problem was admitting that I had a problem. The depression came on progressively not instantly. It was situational ( ministry pressure a large family and all of the attendant issues that come from both areas) and genetic.

I was at least two years into the depression before I recognized what it was and another year before I sought medical help.

 Dr. Richard Kravitz was quoted on the website Prevention.com 

“Depression doesn’t always look like debilitating sadness," says Richard Kravitz, MD, MSPH, a professor of internal medicine at University of California, Davis, and an expert in identifying depression in primary-care settings. "Patients are reluctant to consider depression as a cause of their symptoms—in part because they may equate it with weakness, but also in part because they simply don’t associate those symptoms with depression." The site then gives ten surprising symptoms of depression that I have summarized below.

1. You're in pain.
Depression and pain share some of the same biological pathways and neurotransmitters. About 75% of people with depression suffer recurring or chronic pain.

2. You've gained weight.

3. You have a short fuse.
If the slightest mishap sends you into a rage, or grouchy is your new normal, you may be depressed.

4. You feel nothing. Feeling neutral, numb, or blah.

5. Addictive behaviour. Self medicating to deal with the internal pain.

6. You are glued to Facebook. Social media may be an addiction as well but it may be a sign of loneliness that accompanies the depression.

7. Your head is in the clouds.

we're happiest when our minds are firmly rooted in the present moment, and when our minds wander, it can make us wistful, anxious, and unhappy.

8. You can't make up your mind.
We make upwards of 70 conscious decisions every day. While many are no brainers like what to eat for breakfast the accumulation of decisions can lead to decision fatigue. "Little things we normally don't think twice about suddenly become weighty decisions.

9. You've stopped combing your hair or brushing your teeth. 

Ultimately, not caring what you look like on the outside is a strong sign of problems happening on the inside.

10. You can't seem to stick to a sleep schedule. Insomnia AND oversleeping can be signs of depression.

Even after recognizing it admitting the depression and getting help is a real struggle.  I heard a quote that helped me “secrecy is to sickness what openness is to wholeness” the only way to get better was to shine some much needed light on my plight. I believe there are many in ministry that struggle with the black dog of depression as Churchill described it in his life. Even pulpit legends like Spurgeon suffered at least bouts of depression, as did, Jeremiah, David, Elijah, and John the Baptist.

 Had I recognized and recieved help sooner I could have had a better outcome maybe even been able to stay in the pastorate. Why do we hesitate to get help.

1. We don't want to admitted weakness. (This is not biblical we are weak, and God uses weak people but Jesus is strong)

2. We fear the judgment of others (especially our preacher friends and our church leadership)

3. We have held a wrong theology about depression and other mental health issues (the idea that those things are a sign of an emaciated spirituality)

4. We worry it will affect future ministry opportunity (if we are not dealing with the real issues of life are we even accomplishing true ministry)

6 months into my new life I am doing much better I am not healed but I am healing. Here is how the healing is happening.

I got medical help. With medication I am now sleeping at night. Before I was fortunate to get 4 hours of good sleep a night.

I told my tale. I tell people what is going on so they can find hope. People are shocked they say you didn't look depressed. (Depression has no special look)

I enlisted the help of my close friends and family. He have not because he ask not...I just had to ask and they were there.

I memorize and meditate on scripture. Robert Morgan's book on Scripture memory is a good place to start 100 verses everyone should know by heart.

I am building balance. The imbalance in my life was my besetting sin. I had the idea that I would rather burn out than rust out, maybe God would have rather I avoided both negative outcomes.

I had to give myself a demotion.

Demote yourself and Promote God to his rightful place: give up the illusion of control.  There is a God and you are not him.  We try to control everything and everyone in our lives in an attempt to remove pain from our lives and maintain pleasure in our lives.  The trouble is we are truly terrible at trying to do God's job. He alone has all knowledge and all power to understand what should happen and the power to actually bring about the proper change at the proper time.

Take Sabath seriously. I am convinced those in ministry break this commandment more than any other. I worked bivocationally most of ministry life which meant weekends were filled to the brim with ministry. I almost never took time off this was sinful. We need to divert daily: find time each day to unwind. Get a hobby, take up a musical instrument, find something fun. (I ride a moped for fun right now.) Withdraw weekly: get away from ministry demands on a weekly basis (Monday could be a good choice, but make sure you get away regularly)

Abandon annually: take vacations or staycation unplug get away from texts, calls, instant messages etc. 

As a side note it would be amazing if our churches could arrange for sabbatical season for those in the pastorate for a long time. Spurgeon had that set up late in his ministry who knows had he started earlier he might have lived and ministered longer.

I can almost hear you objecting wont dealing with this slow down my church growth?  Let me tell you this, you are more than the ministry you do. God loves you quite apart from your activity and accomplishment, you are accepted in the beloved.  Let me also call upon ancient wisdom from the tortoise and the hare. Slow and steady wins the race.

Jesus never ran anywhere in the scripture. It wasn't that he didn't care but instead he was demonstrating the pace of Grace. We need to move from the frenetic pace we are on toward a rhythm of resting in God.

 God would be more pleased with a slow and steady growth rate that is consistent and permanent versus a quick flash in the pan that falls apart and dies off. You can accomplish far more than you can imagine in 10 years but we want that in a year. Remember your father in heaven thinks generationally for him a thousand years are as a day. So turn to and trust in your Father above as June Hunt who runs the website hope for the heart reminds us…

“The best help, however, is from the One who knows your pain, cares deeply for you, and is able to heal. His help is always free and always available. The Bible has many examples of God’s people who were depressed. You can follow their example by crying out to God, by remembering His faithfulness, and by putting your hope in Him. In your darkest hour, He won’t abandon you. He’s beside you, even when you can’t feel Him. Ask Him to remind you of His presence when the loneliness seems unbearable. He will reassure you − maybe through His Word or maybe through a friend”

Isaiah 50:10  Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

Let's conclude with the remainder of David's lament from Psalms 42

Psalms 42:4-5  When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

Some places to go for help.

Focus on the family crisis phone number.

1-855-771-HELP (4357)
Mon - Fri: 6am - 8pm (Mountain Time)

Focus on the family pastoral care number.

1-877-233-4455
Mon - Fri: 6am - 8pm (Mountain Time)
blue envelope icon
Pastors@fotf.org

The Power Of Now Gene Kissinger

#MorningGlory RTTBROS

A lot of you are facing situations that leave you frustrated and circumstances that are out if your control. This co-vid and the turmoil it has left in its wake has pushed us all, not only to our limits but beyond our limits. I am going to tell you what I told a dear friend of mine with some adaptation.

Rest in God. Just for this moment. You don't need to do more or be more. Impossible scenarios are allowed by God to draw us of necessity, closer to him.
Here is a verse that has helped me so much with my anxiety and depression. 
  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34 KJV
The old timers used to say "Yard by yard life is hard, inch by inch life is a cinch" I don't know about it being a cinch but it is less overwhelming.  God has got this.  You are a Child of THE MOST HIGH GOD cast your cares on your father because he cares for you. Take his yoke on your shoulder and you will accomplish his work while he gives you rest unto your souls.  Tackle the problem that is right in front of you...the right now problems are the only ones God expects you to swing at. He gives the victory.
I will pray for all of you.  I covet your prayers I have 6 in school and one has severe autism we will likely be in the same situation in a few weeks. God will guide us moment by moment.  May God give us all strong shoes for our stony paths.   

Pray Your Way To Peace

#MorningGlory.  RTTBROS

  Prayer Is a Peace-Giving Gift

  

by Charles F. Stanley from The Gift of Prayer

Many decades ago, one of my college friends gave me a small picture that has meant a great deal to me. There is nothing remarkable about it from an artistic standpoint, but it has given me great comfort during some important times nonetheless. In fact, not long ago, I asked the Lord for direction about a difficult situation. I felt very alone. Confused and unable to discuss my difficulties with others, I got down on my knees in a quiet room and cried out to God to help me, strengthen me, and change the situation that was causing me pain. I asked, “Father, please don’t leave me like this. Show me what to do.” As I was praying, I looked up, and there was that picture. In it, the Lord Jesus is standing behind a young man, pointing out the right course for the fellow to take. The Master’s hand is on his shoulder, as if saying,

 

I am with you always. — Matthew 28:20

and

 

This is the way, walk in it. — Isaiah 30:21

In that instant, God showed me that He was in complete control of the situation and that He would help me get to the destination He planned for me. Like the young man in the picture, I needed to stay focused on the path that the Master was pointing me to. And if I would obey Him — even when the road seemed dark — He would certainly bless my faith in Him.

I tell you this because, inevitably, there will be times in your life when you just don’t know what to do. You may feel overwhelmed by the questions that plague you and shut down — becoming paralyzed and unable to move forward. Or perhaps you lie awake at night, consumed by the details of your circumstances and rehearsing them repeatedly in the hope of making some sense of them. Either way, you feel trapped, because you have no idea how to proceed.

You will feel as if your anxiety is tearing you apart. And that is what fear does — it scatters your thoughts, pulling you in different directions with all the “what ifs.” But this stands in direct opposition to what the Father desires for you.

Jesus said,

 

I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. — John 16:33

Peace. It is a word that in the Greek means “joined or bound together.” For example, through Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross, we can have peace — or be united — with Him and be fully reconciled to the Father (Colossians 1:20).

However, peace also means an internal sense of harmony and tranquility. Everything within us is calm — confident “that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). It is Jesus’ goal that we would possess the inward composure that comes from having a personal relationship with Him and enjoying His provision. And He has given us the gift of prayer for this purpose.

Philippians 4:6-7 promises,

 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:6-7

The word there for guard means to “garrison you about, hem you in, and protect by a military sentinel.” As you exercise the gift of prayer and walk with God, He encompasses you as your Protector and Provider — and no one can break through His defenses. The Father encircles you with His own matchless presence, and the only way anything can get to you is if He Himself opens the door and allows it. That is the greatest security you and I could ever ask for.

Do you need peace in some area? Are you facing a situation that is confusing — that is tearing you apart? Do you lack a clear course of action?

    Jesus knows exactly what you really need and how to provide it in     the most loving and edifying way possible. He is committed to     seeing you become all He created you to be.

Jesus’ hand is on your shoulder, and He’s pointing you in the right direction — the right path for your life. Are you listening to Him and submitting to His guidance? Or are you living your life the way you want to — in your wisdom rather than His?

All of us need a reliable guide to instruct us, and none is more trustworthy than the Savior who laid down His life on our behalf. But perhaps you are unsure — can you truly trust the Lord with the situation that is currently causing you so much stress and anxiety? Here are two reasons why I am confident you can and should.

The first reason trusting Jesus to guide you will bring you peace is because you know He will never lead you astray. As I said previously, His character is above reproach. His comprehension of all things past, present, and future is beyond compare. He not only has the wisdom to counsel you, but He loves you and always has your best interest at heart. Deuteronomy 31:8 promises,

 

The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

God will never mislead or abandon you, no matter what decision you must make. He will direct you in the best path possible if you will follow Him. If that doesn’t give you peace, I don’t know what will!

Second, trusting Jesus to guide you will bring you peace because He is leading you on a road that is unique to you. This world offers many one-size-fits-all solutions to our problems, and often they do not work or cause even more damage. But Jesus’ knowledge of you is perfect — He understands your personality, strengths, weaknesses, joys, sorrows, needs, temptations, desires, and concerns. Also, He created you for a distinctive purpose. Ephesians 2:10 explains,

 

We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

When the Lord formed you, there were special assignments He planned for you to accomplish, which are tailor-made for your giftedness and temperament. Your being is satisfied, finds meaning, and is fulfilled in knowing Him and achieving those purposes.

This all means that the road you are to take must be specially crafted for you — specific to your makeup and to the reasons you were created as you were. This is why it is so important for God to set your course — because only your Lord and Savior knows your true potential, how to overcome the dangers ahead, and how to arrive at your destination in the safest and most effective way possible. And this is why His leadership should give you peace — He knows exactly what you really need and how to provide it in the most loving and edifying way possible. He is invested in you and is committed to seeing you become all He created you to be.

In Psalm 32:8, He promises,

 

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

Will you trust Him to do so? I hope you will. He knows exactly where you are, what you need to do in the situation you’re facing, and how to get you to the wonderful destination He’s planned for you. He is your Protector and Provider and has everything necessary to get you to the goal even when the path seems impossible. Only the Lord can meet those high standards that can ensure your peace.

Pray to Him and trust Him to be your leader in every situation, because surely He will bless you with His peace that transcends understanding as you follow Him.

Lord God, thank You so much for always being with me — for never leaving or abandoning me. I am so grateful that You are leading me through this great gift of prayer. Like a loving Father or a gentle Shepherd, You direct me on the path I need to take — to drive out sin, heal my wounds, develop my gifts, build my character, and teach me more about You. Thank You, Lord.

You encompass me as my perfect Protector and Provider — and no one can break through Your defenses. You guide me with Your hand on my shoulder and encircle me with Your own matchless presence. I thank You that the only way anything can get to me is if You allow it for my ultimate edification and benefit. What great tranquility that gives my heart — that all things will work together for my good!

You keep me secure in Your steadfast, unending, unshakable love. Thank You, Lord! There is no peace like the peace You give, Lord Jesus! In Your matchless name I pray. Amen.

Excerpted with permission from The Gift of Prayer by Charles Stanley, copyright Charles F. Stanley.

 

* * *

Your Turn

With prayer we have an incredible connection with God Himself! His hand is on your shoulder, guiding you, leading you, protecting you, shielding you, trading your anxiety for His peace. He will never lead you astray.

Trust Or Worry

Adrian Rogers writes about moving from worry to trust in this excellent little devotion.

Do You Trust or Worry?

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep"

 

(Psalm 121:4)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

I heard about a man who was in a crisis and couldn’t sleep. He thought about this verse of Scripture, “Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:4). He said, “Well, Lord, there’s no need for both of us to stay up all night. Good night, Lord. I’m going to sleep while you stay awake.”

The Bible says, “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You" (Isaiah 26:3).

It may sound like a paradox: on one hand, pray earnestly. On the other, get some sleep. But Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and [listen to it] the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

ACTION POINT:

Friend, turn your problem over to Him. Roll it on the Lord. I don’t care how big it is. Read and obey Philippians 4:6-7 and know the mastery of God’s peace. God’s peace will settle over your panic.

His Eye Is On The Sparrow Matt. 10:28-30

The title of this message is inspired by the famous gospel song by the same name. It is one of the most loved Christian songs in the world and was made famous by Ethel Walters, who used it as the title of her autobiography. Many other singers have recorded it and it enjoyed a revival when Lauryn Hill sang it in Sister Act 2. You know the song, but let’s go behind the music.

“His Eye is on the Sparrow” was written by Civilla Martin, the wife of a Baptist Pastor. She described in her own words how she came to write the song. “In the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship with a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle—true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for over twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them the secret of their joy in the midst of pain. Mrs. Doolittle’s reply was simple: ‘If His eye 

is on the sparrow, then I know He watches me.’ The beauty of this expression of simple faith gripped my heart and that same evening I wrote the words for the song.” The rest, as they say, is history. If you’re discouraged, afraid of the future, or struggling with the problems of today, listen again to the words of this beautiful song: “Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come? Why should my heart feel lonely, and long for heaven and home? When Jesus is my portion, a constant friend is He. His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches over me. His eye is on the sparrow; and I know He watches me. I sing because I’m happy. I sing because I’m free! His eye is on the sparrow; and I know He watches me. His eye is on the sparrow; and I know He watches me.”

Of course, the lyrics of that song are taken from the words of Jesus. In light of this let’s read the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 10:28-31:

28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows..”

Reading the Bible is sometimes like tuning in to God’s Animal Planet channel! I have preached messages on sheep, snakes, and doves, and in this message He refers to sparrows. When Jesus used these simple word pictures and analogies they were to demonstrate important spiritual principles. The message Jesus is communicating to us today is, “Don’t be afraid.” He starts this section by saying, “Don’t be afraid,” and He concludes with the same message. What is it you’re afraid of today? God has a message of reassurance and hope for you today. He’s telling you that you don’t have to be afraid. Jesus gives us three powerful reasons why you can say, “I’m not afraid.”

(1) I’M NOT AFRAID, BECAUSE THE WORST THING THAT CAN HAPPEN IN THIS LIFE IS THE DEATH OF MY BODY—AND I AM AN ETERNAL SOUL!

Earlier in Matthew 10, Jesus sent out His disciples with the warning that they were going out like sheep among wolves, and there would be enemies who would arrest them and even kill them. But then He said, “Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body.”

Fear can be can a debilitating force in your life. The Greek word for fear is “phobos” and there are at least 254 recognized forms of phobia. According to Psychology Today, the five most common fears among Americans are (1) Arachnophobia (fear of spiders): (2) Glossophobia (fear of speaking in public); (3) Aerophobia (fear of flying); (4) Claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces); and (5) Acrophobia (fear of heights).

Jesus told the disciples not to be afraid even though they faced the threat of death. Look at our most common fears. The common thread is the fear of death. We’re afraid of spiders because we’ve heard of people being bitten by a poisonous spider and dying. We aren’t really afraid of flying, we’re afraid of crashing. We aren’t really afraid of close spaces, but of suffocating. The only one of the top five phobias that doesn’t threaten you physically is public speaking—and some people would rather die than give a speech!

Jesus says we don’t have to fear those who can kill the body. With the continuation of terrorist attempts on Americans, most of us live with a nagging fear that there will be another attack sometime in the near future. Jesus is saying, “Don’t be afraid—the worst they can do is kill the body.”

from a 9/11 sermon by david dykes:

 “Insidious fear is drifting across our nation like an early morning fog over a lake. We’ve told our kids there is no monster under the bed—only to see again there are monsters that kill innocent civilians and think their god will reward them. The scene of civilian jets slamming into the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon burning will be forever engraved upon our collective minds. Who can forget the sight of those two massive twin towers crumbling to the earth? America has been knocked down, but don’t count her out yet. The terrorists have only stirred up a hornet’s nest of righteous indignation. Like our Lord Jesus who suffered unimaginable pain and agony, I believe our nation will experience a resurrection of hope and a rebirth of Godly, moral values. If we seek God’s face, I am convinced we will rise from the ashes and will once again stand as one nation under God.”

 

I’m still hopeful that America will turn to God and that He will give us a powerful spiritual awakening.

There are hundreds of verses in God’s Word encouraging us not be afraid. One of my favorites is found in Psalm 27. This is a great verse to memorize and quote often: “Psalm 27:1-2King James Version (KJV)

27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lordis the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell  (Psalm 27:1-2)

Jesus is reassuring us today that we don’t have to fear death because the worst thing that can ever happen in this life is the death of our body, and we are more than just a body: We are a soul. C.S. Lewis wrote: “You don’t have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.” Our soul lives inside our body. It’s who we really are, our personality. And physical death cannot destroy our soul, because our soul will live on long after the stars have burned out and the universe has faded away.

Jesus said there is only thing we should fear. We should have a reverential awe of God because He has the power to destroy both body and soul in hell. To fear God is the beginning of wisdom. But fearing God doesn’t mean cringing in terror before Him. It means having a loving respect for Him. My acrostic for FEAR when it relates to God is Father Earns Love and Respect. Surveys reveal that a vast majority of Americans believe there is a heaven and most of them really think they are going there. Only a small percentage of Americans believe there is a hell. Well, Jesus believed hell exists. Once you know Jesus you don’t have to fear hell. The reason we share our faith with others is because we don’t want anyone to spend eternity separated from God. So don’t be afraid of any man and what he can do to do—have a holy, awe-inspiring reverence for God who is all-powerful.

(2) I’M NOT AFRAID, BECAUSE IF GOD CARES ENOUGH TO NUMBER MY HAIRS, HE CARES ABOUT THE OTHER DETAILS OF MY LIFE!

We all know that God so loved the world—collectively. But have you ever stopped to realize that the same God who put the stars in place loves you personally? He cares so much for you that Jesus said He has numbered the hairs on your head. Now I want to ask a question and anyone except a bald man may answer it: “How many hairs are on your head?” Do you even have a guess? Well, some hairologist counted. So “hair” are some hair statistics. If you are blonde (a real blonde) you have around 145,000 hairs; if you have black or brown hair you have about 120,000 hairs and if you’re a redhead you only have 90,000. And God knows how many hairs are on your head, and it doesn’t event tax His omniscience to do it.

I read recently that most humans can only see a maximum of seven items without counting. In other words, if I’m taking care of three children, I can look at the group and know there are three without counting. I can look at six or seven and know they are there without counting. But if I have 12 or 20 children to watch over I have to stop and count, or put them in four groups of five in order to keep up with them. I can recognize eight if they’re in two groups of four, but mix them up and I have to count. What’s the point? Our Father, in His unlimited omniscience, can look through this crowd and say, “94,894” without counting or “114,925” without counting or “three” without counting. And he can number our hairs as easily as I can say, “Three speakers on the steps.”

 

The point is if God can number something as trivial as my hairs, then He is smart enough to know everything else about me as well. He not only KNOWS but He cares. The Bible says, “Cast all your cares (or anxiety) on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Why do we sometimes think there are issues too trivial to bring to the Lord in prayer? We make a big mistake if we think there is anything too small or insignificant to bring to the Lord. If He cares about your hair, He cares about EVERYTHING in your life.

But Jesus didn’t say God knows the number of your hairs, because a scientist with a microscope can count them. Jesus said every hair is numbered, that means each one has a special number, a unique designation. I’ve had a lot of haircuts in my life, but I’ve never once had a barber say to me, “Hey, I just want to let you know that hair number 947 has a split end.” I don’t have my hairs numbered, but God does. The point is God knows things about you even you don’t know. In other words, God knows you better than you know yourself!

The Psalmist declares: “139 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee..” (Psalm 139:1-2, 17-18) Wow! Not only does God count your hairs, He thinks about you so many times each day, the number exceeds the grains of sand on the beach. When I’m in oregon I love to walk on the white sands at Seaside or cape blanco. There are gazillions of grains of sand, and sometimes when I’m walking I’ll look at the sand and say, “There’s another thought, there’s another thought. Thank you God for thinking of me!” Here’s another reason Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid!”

(3) I’M NOT AFRAID, BECAUSE IF GOD CARES ABOUT A SPARROW WHO FALLS, HE WON’T STOP LOVING ME WHEN I FAIL!

Sparrows are some of the most plentiful, common birds in the world. Where you find people, you’ll find sparrows. They only live in populated areas because they are scavengers of leftovers. Sparrows hop up to you at the outdoor restaurant and wait for crumbs. They aren’t known for their beautiful colors or for their sweet songs. Jesus said two sparrows sell for a penny. A penny is our smallest coin, but the actual word Jesus used meant ¼ of a penny. In other words, two sparrows would sell for ½ penny. In Luke Jesus said, four sparrows are sold for a penny, and the merchant throws in the fifth one for free, like a baker’s dozen. They were cheap and common. It would make better sense if Jesus had said God knows when every eagle falls, because eagles are such majestic birds. But Jesus was making a point that God cares for the most common, unnoticed birds. Naturalists tell us that there are approximately 35,000 bald eagles in the U.S. and Canada. But who cares enough to count the sparrows? Only God.

We can easily imagine a little sparrow that is hatched and lives its life in obscurity and falls down dead after a few years; nobody on planet earth even notices or cares. But Jesus said not a single sparrow is forgotten by God. Jesus used this illustration to demonstrate how valuable we are to God. He says we are worth more than sparrows to God. That’s good to know!

Now notice Jesus didn’t say God knows when a sparrow flies, He said God notices when a sparrow falls. That means when it dies. And Jesus didn’t say that God prevents sparrows from falling to the earth. He simply knows about it and cares. The truth is sometimes we fail and fall, and we think we have disappointed God and that He no longer cares for us. But God knows when you fall, and He still loves you.

The Bible says, “23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lordupholdeth him with his hand.

.” (Psalm 37:23-24) I remember when I was teaching the kids how to walk. I didn’t just say, “There’s the sidewalk, walk to the end of it!” No. I realized it was a process that required me to coax them and catch them. When they tried and fell I didn’t condemn them and tell them what rotten walkers they were. I caught them and told them, “Good job! Let’s try again. You can do it! Good girl!” And when she started walking, I was there to hold her hand. If she started to fall, I just held her tighter and she held my hand tighter.

Spiritually speaking, we’re all like preschoolers learning to walk. We’re going to stumble and fall, but He has promised to uphold us with His hand. When we stumble He grips us even stronger and that’s when we need to grip His hand even tighter.

The God of the Bible isn’t some sinister tyrant who is watching over you just waiting for you to make a mistake so He can punish you. He is a loving Father who wants the very best for you.

You don’t have to be afraid, because God has promised He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you. He watches over every sparrow that falls, so you can be certain He is watching over you!

I once read a story about a tribe of Native Americans with a unique practice for training young braves. On the night of a boy’s thirteenth birthday, he was placed in a dense forest to spend the entire night alone. Before that night, he had never been away from the security of his family and tribe. One particular young man was blindfolded and led many miles into the wilderness. He was instructed not to remove the blindfold for an hour. On this particular night, dark clouds obscured the moon and stars, and when he removed the blindfold all he could see was utter darkness. Every time a twig snapped, he visualized a wild animal ready to pounce. Every time an animal howled, he imagined a wolf leaping out of the darkness. He spent a terrifying night on the edge of panic, but he didn’t leave. After what seemed like an eternity, the first rays of sunlight began to lighten the eastern sky. Looking around, the boy saw flowers, trees, and the outline of the path. Then, to his utter astonishment, he beheld the figure of a man standing just a few feet away, armed with a long bow and arrow. It was the boy’s father. He had been there all night long.

How many times have you faced a scary situation and given in to fear? Wouldn’t it have made a difference if you had know God was right there with you? Well, He is!

CONCLUSION

In Revelation 1 where John had a vision of the glorified Christ. It was so awesome and amazing that John fell down on his face like a dead man. Then Jesus reached down and touched John on the shoulder and said, “Don’t be afraid, John. It’s me. I’m here with you.”

“There are many times in the Bible where God says, ‘Don’t be afraid.’ Do you know how many times God says, ‘Don’t be afraid?’ I think most people expected me to give a number. But I said, “God says, ‘Don’t be afraid’ every time you are afraid.” When you are knocked to your face in fear Jesus reaches down and touches you and says, “Don’t be afraid, it’s going to okay.”.”

For years I’ve enjoyed quoting a little poem that reminds me of the care the Lord has for each of us. It goes like this: Said the robin to the sparrow; “I’d really like to know; Why these anxious human creatures rush about and worry so.” Said the sparrow to the robin, “I guess that it must be, that they have no Father such as cares for you and me.” But we DO have a loving Father who cares about every detail of our lives.

So what is it that you’re afraid of today? Jesus knows, and Jesus cares He is never going to leave you or forsake you. You can leave your fears behind and say, “If His eye is on the sparrow, I know he’s watching over me!”