Do Not Be Anxious

Tomorrow is Halloween, and there are many who grow anxious at the mere mention of the word. I see it only fitting to focus today's devotion on elevating fear and stress.

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19 (NIV) Remember the Lord is always with us wherever we go.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) God loves us and protects us.

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” Psalm 37:3 (NIV)

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Halloween is just another day of the year. Whether you choose to celebrate it or not, God is still on the throne and Lord over all. He is and always will be. There is no need to fear. However I urge you not to judge others who do or stress and worry because you might feel an obligation to tell them about your personal convictions. Leave it in the Lord's hands.

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ” Matthew 6:27 In fact, stress, constant worry and anxiety may actually shorten your life.

Is living in fear of things you cannot control really worth losing years of your life over?

There are many who have posted online this week about the evils of Halloween and why Christians should not partake in the festivities. For the most part, yes, Halloween is not a Christian holiday. In fact, it could be used for evil purposes and for things which we, as Christians, do not want to associate with. However, with the right mindset, Halloween can be an effective witnessing tool.

Many churches are hosting Fall Festivals and Trunk Or Treats. Many of these celebrations are simply to provide a safe environment for the children to have fun, but it can also become an opportunity to show an un-churched  family that the door is open and all are welcome. I'm not going advocate one way or another. I simply want my readers to explore their options.

This year, my family and I joined a new church. Our church will be hosting a Trunk or Treat in the church parking lot, but we are doing things a little bit differently. We have theme that will hopefully demonstrate  to the children ( and possibly parents too) how Jesus can change one's life. For example, my booth will actually consist of two paths the children must walk in order to get their treat. One path is WIDE and at the end there is an empty box. No treat here. The children must then walk a long, NARROW, close to ground, beam, (that's actually a cross). At the end of the cross is a big treasure chest full  of fantastic prizes! I think it will be fun! ( and who's to say what God will do with it way after October 31st.)

“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12;25 (NIV)  Tomorrow night, I'm going to focus on the positive. I'm going to spend the evening sharing God's love with others. That's what I'm suppose to do everyday, right? See, Halloween – It's just another day. It's all in how you look at it.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” Philippians 4:6 (NIV). I urge you to stay strong in the WORD and maintain a vigilant prayer life, never ceasing to seek God's will. I know He has plans. ( Jeremiah 29:11-14) I have no need to fear for thou art with me. (Psalm 23)

This Halloween, Remember Matthew 5:16, (NIV),   “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 (NIV)