Dr James Dobson has decades of experience coaching people to overcome fear and doubt and put their trust in Christ . He relates a fascinating experience he once had when he learned that sometimes our fear is all in our head .
It seems that he was preparing to graduate from Southern Cal with a PhD in psychology and as he got ready at home that day , anticipating the happy drive with his family , a cold fear just came over him . He says now that he felt a growing dread , seemingly out of nowhere , that he would be killed in a car accident on the way .
Honestly , this sounds crazy , and it kind of is . Even Dobson admits that . He says today that he realized this fear of death and tragedy that gripped him was obviously not from God and the obvious source is that of our enemy . In some weird way he can influence our thoughts . Maybe this happens when we're exhausted or distracted .
Maybe these thoughts of failure and terror come from stress . Whatever the circumstances , though they're evil , they have no place in our hearts and minds , james Dobson said . That day he simply got in his car and he led his family to the USC campus where he received his hard-earned degree .
Afterward they had a lovely lunch and the day remains a great memory for the Dobson family . The day remains a great memory for the Dobson family . Mark 5 36 says Jesus told him don't be afraid , just believe . For Dr Dobson this also remains a powerful lesson . Oftentimes our greatest fears are not even real . They don't even come to pass .
Learn to recognize the real from the imagined . And of course , there are times where our fears are very real . Maybe it's a scary diagnosis from a doctor , or a wayward child just digs himself deeper holes in life . In those times , remembering the source of our fears is really important .
When real dangers do crop up , literally speak to the Lord and tell Him you are giving Him this giant problem . Tell Him you can't solve it , but you know he can . Another thing to remember if you determine your fear is legitimate is seek the care of a good friend . Likewise , if you see someone weighed down with fear , you be that shoulder to lean on .
We can determine to help each other . Proverbs 12.25 tells us An anxious heart weighs a man down , but a kind word cheers him up . One day God will permanently remove our fears and until then , learn to recognize the difference in real and imagined problems in your life . Let's pray Father , god .
Your word tells us that in this world , we will have trouble , problems will challenge us , but you have overcome the world and that is our ultimate safety net , where evil can't hurt us , the world , and that is our ultimate safety net , where evil can't hurt us .
In Jesus' name , amen . Did you know many of the messages featured on the Caruso Daily Devotional are available on a t-shirt ? Caruso creates original t-shirts , apparel and gifts with inspirational messages that share the good news of Jesus . Learn more at carusocom . That's K-E-R-U-S-S-Ocom .