Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Block

 There are times I find myself with writer's block/artist's block. What prevents my creative juices from flowing?  FEAR.  I fear that my work might not be good enough.  I fear that I will make mistakes.  I fear that it will be misunderstood. I fear that I will be misunderstood. I fear that I'll not be able to express what is truly want to share.  I fear my work will be compared to others, and found lacking. I think fear can be one of the greatest enemies of the artistic mind.  We, the creative, have to power to go anywhere, do anything, be anyone we can imagine...unless fear steals our power/strength.  We cannot let fear steal our voice, vision, and creativity.  It doesn't just impacting us, but those we have the ability to inspire, encourage, and challenge through our work.

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

There are a lot of things in this world that bring about fear.  There is the fear of what is, what shall be, what could be, or what might.  "What if" becomes the start of paralysis.  Fear can keep us from living if we are not careful. It blocks us from doing what we were created to do & being who we were created to be.  It's not that the fears are totally unfounded, but if we let them take over our thinking....they will soon take over our living.  Living in constant fear is not living how we were designed.  God has called us to a life of FAITH.  Faith in God does not eliminate the people, situations, or things that "cause" fear, but it does redirect our attention. 

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble, but take heart!  I have overcome the world. 
John 16:33

The Lord even tells us...."IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE".  Does He tell us to run away, hide, shut down, cry about it?  NO!  "TAKE HEART!"  No matter what the fear is in our world globally or personally..."HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD"!  That is where our strength comes from when we feel weak....our courage in tumultuous times...and how we are able to not be discouraged by the events around us or in our world.  GOD!  Where are our eyes....GOD! We must be wise, but part of that wisdom is knowing who is truly in control!  Fear does not have a foot hold in our life if we keep Christ at the center.  We can live life as we designed to even in troubling times.  We can be the light & hope this world needs through Christ!!