ATTACK OF THE KILLER VACUUM
Picture a sixty-five pound English bulldog, hiding under our bed, trembling in terror from a vacuum cleaner. Rosebud was a chunk of pure muscle, equally tall, long, and wide. Her jaws possessed vice-like strength. Although her disposition was sweeter than maple syrup, she was invincible against any foe. Rosebud feared nothing … except our vacuum cleaner.
As soon as the vacuum powered on, she raced under our bed to hide from the beast. When the enemy advanced toward her, Rose dashed from her bunker, snarling and biting her metal nemesis. Then retreating briefly, she reemerged a few seconds later to resume her foolish assault. Of course, Rosebud had nothing to fear from our vacuum, but her canine brain convinced her otherwise.
Fear is natural. But how often do we allow fear to overpower faith? Currently I’m in a season of “firsts” without Linda—anniversaries, birthdays, holidays. Some days it’s a battle not to give into fear of the future—specifically being alone. The enemy loves to magnify these fears, turning them into a giant vacuum cleaner, burying me in a sea of “what-ifs. Our fears are nearly always bigger than the facts.
Then we face everyday fears—finances, family, career, politics ... News sources fill us with enough fear to drive us scurrying under the bed, like a dog running from a vacuum. Paul wrote, “God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love and sound judgment” (2 Timothy 1:7, HCSB). Obsessive fear is not from God. So what’s its source? Hmmm, could it be … Satan?
In the midst of fearful times, it’s critical to look to God, as David did. When he fought Goliath, everyone spoke of how dangerous Goliath was. But David focused on how great God was. Let’s talk faith, not fear.
Rosebud’s fears kept her in bondage. Imagine being enslaved to a vacuum cleaner. That (literally) sucks! But it’s no more foolish than those fears the enemy constantly dangles in front of our faces. Even legitimate concerns can weigh us down with worry. Let’s look to God for deliverance, not what the world offers.
Next time we feel threatened, be it a meeting with our boss, an unpaid bill, or a wayward child, think of Rosebud. Remember, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power. He lives in us, and we have nothing to fear.
Principle: When we experience fear, look to God for strength.
Ponder:
What unwarranted vacuum cleaner fears trouble you?
When you feel attacked with fearful anxiety, how can you look to God for deliverance?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study 1 Samuel 17.
Prayer: “Almighty God, I praise you, for you possess all power. Remind me of that truth when I feel fear rising up within me.
This devotion is adapted from my book, Thriving in Troubled Times. Order it on Amazon with this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P3RYM5R/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_VrXVFbVVZNEVA
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