Title

Overcoming the Torment of Paranoia

Scripture
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
(Proverbs 28:1)
Devotional
There are many phobias. Some are timid of heights, others closed-in spaces. However, many aversions are natural and good. It is natural to be wary of things that can hurt you. It is good for a child to fear getting too close to a fire or a precarious edge, although, there is a great difference between caution and fear. Caution often reflects wisdom, while fear frequently reflects a lack of faith. There is no place for paranoia in God’s Kingdom. The torment of paranoia causes suffering. We overcome that torment through the love of God and the fear of God. If we fear God, we will fear nothing else. If we receive the love of God, fear will have to leave. The apostle John said it this way, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts our fear but he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”
Text For The Day
 Proverbs 28:1: The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Thought For The Day
 “What makes a King out of a slave? Courage. What makes the flag on the mast to wave? Courage. What makes the elephant charge his tusk in the misty mist or the dusky dusk? What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage. What makes the Sphinx the 7th Wonder? Courage. What makes the dawn come up like THUNDER?! Courage. What makes the Hottentot so hot? What puts the ‘ape’ in ape-ricot? Whatta they got that I ain't got?  Courage!”  Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz.
 
Questions To Ponder
   
Morning Study Guide
 Defining:  “Paranoia,” I can’t believe that you doubt that I know the definition. I am not irrationally suspicious and distrustful of others; nor am I anxious or full of inordinate fear.
 
Referencing: “There they are in great fear where no fear was,” Psalm 53:5.
 
Applying: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God,” Isaiah 43:1-3