Protecting Your Heart From Fear
The Question We Often Forget to Ask
“Wars in the world.” It’s a heavy topic, isn’t it? When we look at the news, we see man’s wickedness on full display. We see nations rising against nations, and if we aren’t careful, we can spend all our time devouring that information until we’ve opened a wide door for fear and unbelief.
But whenever I look at what’s happening “out there,” I’ve learned I have to stop and ask a different question: “Lord, what are You doing in my heart?”
It doesn’t matter what is happening in the external world if His righteousness is alive and active inside of us. The apostles who wrote the New Testament did so from a place of inner strength. They weren’t living in a “peaceful” time; many were facing horrific ends. Yet, they carried a peace that the world couldn’t touch. Today, we need to learn how we, too, can be spectators of the world’s chaos without allowing it to infect our souls.
A Heavenly Perspective: Being “Grabbed by the Hair”
In Ezekiel 8:3, there is a striking, almost jarring image. Ezekiel is in God’s presence when a figure – Jesus – appears with the appearance of fire and gleaming bronze. Ezekiel says the Lord put forth the form of a hand and “took me by my hair and lifted me up.”
Sometimes, that is exactly what we need. We get so fixated on the physical stuff, the missiles, the tanks, the “peak traffic” of global news, that Jesus has to reach down, grab us by the hair, and say, “Hey, you’re looking at the wrong stuff. Let me show you what’s really going on.”
He lifts us between earth and heaven to show us the spiritual reality. In Ezekiel’s vision, he saw the “idol of jealousy.” This is the root of what we see in the news. War isn’t just a political event; it is the fruit of a seed planted in the human heart.
The Root of the Conflict: The Spirit of Jealousy
What is taking place in the world is, at its core, a worship of jealousy. Whether it’s a world leader sending an encrypted message to start a conflict or a business owner sending an email to undercut a rival, it’s the same seed.
We see it throughout Scripture:
- Cain and Abel: The world’s first murder was rooted in jealousy over an offering.
- Joseph’s Brothers: They despised him because he was the favourite.
- Saul and David: Saul was consumed by jealousy when the people sang David’s praises.
- The Pharisees: They pushed for the crucifixion because they were jealous of Jesus’ influence.
Jealousy is a form of unbelief. It is a spirit that whispers, “You aren’t worthy of God’s best,” or “There isn’t enough of God’s favour for everyone.” When that unbelief simmers, it eventually lashes out. That’s why we must protect the state of our hearts.
The Maternity Ward vs. Peak Traffic
I remember when our daughter was born. It was 2010, during the World Cup here in South Africa. The country was going crazy; vuvuzelas, noise, and chaos in every street. But inside the Femina Clinic in Pretoria, it was different.
I’d walk into that maternity ward and it was a beautiful, quiet environment. Everyone was speaking in whispers. It was pure peace. But then came the day to take her home. I strapped that tiny, precious three-day-old baby into the car seat and drove out of the clinic straight into 4:00 PM Wednesday peak traffic.
Suddenly, there were buses, taxis, impatient people all trying to get home after a long day – and suddenly, noise hemmed us in on every side. I was so aware of how small and precious that baby was in the midst of all that noise. I have come to realise that our faith is often like our precious first born baby on her first outing in the traffic.
Your faith is a “mustard seed”. It starts small and precious. Paul tells us we are “hemmed in on every side,” but we cannot allow the noise of the world to invade the “maternity ward” of our hearts where our faith is nurtured. We have to protect the peace.
Practical Application: The Hedge of Thankfulness
How do we practically protect our hearts? It’s simpler than you think. You need to plant a hedge.
In our neighbourhoods, when we don’t want the influence of the street to come over the wall, we plant a hedge. It creates a boundary of goodness and peace. In the spirit, we do this through the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving.
I want to challenge you this week: Before you check the news, before you start your workday, or even before your first conversation with your family, go to the Lord with thankfulness.
- Start with Gratitude: Don’t stop until you feel that “warm glow” of gratefulness in your heart.
- Shift to Promise: Once you are connected to His goodness, say, “Because You are so good, this is what I am trusting You for.”
This shifts your prayer from a place of desperation to a place of promise. While the world is “bowed down and fallen,” you will find yourself “risen and standing upright” (Psalm 20:8).
Encouragement: The Prince of Peace is in the House.
The devil wants you to think you are weaker than evil. But James says, “Resist the devil and he will flee.” He doesn’t just walk away; he runs! He’s like a little dog with a big bark that runs back to its owner the moment you stand your ground.
You have nothing to fear because the Prince of Peace hasn’t just visited you; He has moved in. 1 John 3:24 tells us that He abides in us. He is the God of the living, and He chose your body as His home. When He lives there, your surroundings change. Your suburb changes. Your city changes. Not because the external world stopped being chaotic, but because you are carrying the atmosphere of the Kingdom wherever you go.
A Prayer for Your Heart
If you’re tired of the chaos and the surprises that rock your boat, take a moment right now. Put your hand on your heart and simply say:
“Jesus, come and take up full residence. I give You access to every part—my emotions, my thoughts, and my fears. Holy Spirit, reside in this body. Fill me with an expanding hope that transcends my understanding.”
Walk in confidence this week. You aren’t just making it to the end; you are being clothed in His glory right here, right now.
Blessings,
Daniel
Watch & Listen: To watch or listen to the message this blog is based, follow this link: https://revivalministry.co.za/latest-teaching/protect-your-peace-world-at-war/
Bible Reference: Ezekiel 8:1-3 AMPC, Psalm 116:6-9 APMC
