The beast behind the fence

One of my biggest fears when I run is when I am running alongside a big privacy fence and can hear (even though I have music playing in my earphones) a dog barking.  I immediately scan the fence line to see if any boards are askew or likely to shift.  Most barking dogs that I can hear over my music MUST be large (right??).

Kind of reminds me of "The Beast" in the movie, The Sandlot.  This HUGE beast of a thing lurks on the other side of the fence and constantly hoards all things that happen to go over the fence, namely baseballs.  The boys in the film have this beast built up in their minds as something to be greatly feared - after all, he might eat them all! You can watch the movie to find out the rest, but needless to say, The Beast is really not the beast that they imagine.

Fear is an interesting companion.  It goes hand-in-hand with worry and anxiety.  And as I've said before, worry could definitely be my spiritual gift.  I can get so tied up in knots over the "whatifs" of life that I can literally become paralyzed.

I recently heard that the word "anxiety" or "worry" in Greek literally means to "have a divided mind."  Doesn't that describe worry perfectly?  It divides your mind between what is sane and right versus what is illogical and often wrong.  But yet, fear is like the perceived beast on the other side of the fence...it COULD be huge.  It COULD be something fearful.  It COULD be something that could eat us up. (And frankly, fear unchecked will eat up all peace that we so desire!)

Apparently, God knows that we are fearful human beings.  I have heard (though haven't verified) that the Bible says "fear not" about 365 times - that's enough "fear nots" for every day of the year.  Even if that's not an accurate count, it still MUST be one of the most common "commands" that we read in Scripture.

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.  Isaiah 43:1b-3a


Maybe I should add, "And when you pass by the fence with the big barking dog, you shall not be bitten for I shall keep the dog surrounded by the fence."  (The gospel according to Lori)