Think of your emotions as a barrel. Whatever size you want to imagine. Now take a dreamed-up hose, turn it on full blast, and fill the container to the brim. Then grab a gallon of water and start pouring it in. What happens? Duh! Liquid overflows. All over the place. You’ve exceeded the limit.

What in the world does this have to do with today’s devotional? Has Fischer lost it as we’ve long suspected? No, wisenheimer! I’m thinking about emotions. Our feelings. The ones that get raw and frazzled with worries and fear. You know as well as I do that there’s only so much room within us before cracks appear, leaks ooze out, seams burst, and we fall apart.

Likewise, there’s only so much emotional space for fear and faith. So, fill up your tank with premium unleaded faith. I know. Easier said than done. I’m as clutched by jitters and fidgets, on pins and needles, as the rest. I have nothing good to share? No encouragement? Actually, I do.

These two Bible verses prescribe great medicine to warm cold shivers, leveling out those goosebumps. Psalms 55: 22–‘Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you…’ Then 1 Peter 5: 7–‘…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.’ God’s promises from both the Old and New Testaments. They’re still good today. His promises made are promises kept.

Casting off worries means filling your mind with godly thoughts, and pushing others over the edge. Prayer for a starter and finisher. Tell Jesus everything. Sure, butterfly feelings and indigestion will linger but something else starts to take hold. A realization that I’m not alone. That Jesus goes with me no matter what. And that He’ll never leave me.

The worst that can happen to me as a believer is my appointment with the Grim Reaper, but I go immediately to be with my Lord in glory forever. Never another fear. Never another worry. Don’t even need faith. Pretty good, wouldn’t you agree? Time to give fear the old heave-ho?

This week let’s pray more than stew. Talk with Jesus more than torment ourselves with life’s stage fright, causing you to freeze up in front of whatever audience that gives you the heeby-jeebies. Let God have whatever for a change. He handles them much better.

Teacher may only grade me with a C-plus but at least I’m trying. And God loves whatever effort we make His way.

Thank you, Jesus, for being my constant companion. Amen.