Daily Devotional

I was shocked to see how the weeds were taking over my garden. After putting on my grubby clothes, I got down on my knees to fight the war of the weeds. An especially difficult weed is called Spurge. It is a type of fast-growing summer weed that can quickly become a major problem if not treated. It grows very low to the ground and spreads fast. To make matters worse, this killer weed is gripping the soil surrounding my new vegetable plants. It wants to choke the life out of all that is good in my garden! As I labor, I begin to talk to the Lord:
 
“Lord, what are the weeds in my life that choke out my trust in you? There is one weed in  particular, like Spurge, that can strangle my heart. I admit it; it is fear.”
 
 The weed of fear in my life thinks it is powerful but God can pluck it right out of my heart in a moment of trust. I once again recite one of my favorite passages:
 
Psalm 56:3-4 “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?” NASB
 
 Time to stand up, stretch my back and look over my garden. The rich soil surrounding my plants is void of weeds. The Scourge of Spurge is gone! Unfortunately, I know Spurge will emerge again, just like the fear in my heart will emerge again. God is so patient with me. I know He will be with me helping me fight the war in my heart against fear.  I cling to every word of Isaiah 41:10, 13:
 

• “Do not fear…”
• “…for I am with you…”  
• “…do not anxiously look about you…”
• “…for I am your God…”
• “I will strengthen you…”
• “…surely I will help you…”
• “…surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand…”
• “For I am the Lord your God…”
• “…who upholds your right hand…”
• “…who says  to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’”

 
When I trust God, I win. The Scourge of Fear loses!