Megan Byrd

Writer

Megan’s Blog

Take Time to Be Filled

Too often, I find myself acting out of fear. I make decisions based on what I think will please others, afraid of criticism. I say yes to requests that make me uncomfortable or don’t seem like my best yes because I’m afraid of rejection if I say no. I refrain from sharing my dreams and desires out of fear of being laughed at or being ridiculed if I fail.

God doesn’t want us to live afraid.

He tells his people many times in Scripture not to be afraid:

  • God told Abram not to be afraid when he was worried that he wouldn’t have an heir to carry on his family line: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” (Gen. 15:1 NIV).
  • God encouraged Joshua as the new leader of the Israelites: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9 NIV).
  • Jesus tells his disciples not to be afraid on the night he’s betrayed: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV).
  • Peter encourages Christians in Asia Minor by reminding them that they are not alone: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for her cares about you” (1 Pet. 5:7 NLT).

These stories give me the encouragement I need to move beyond fear in my decision-making.

Take Time to Be Filled

When the Bible admonishes someone not to be afraid, the comfort offered is not a five-step plan for overcoming their fear. Nor is it a clear vision of the future. It’s a reminder that they’re not alone, that it’s God himself who’s with them. God tells us to lean into him, to share our concerns with him, and then trust that it’s all in his hands.

I’ve struggled with allowing fear and anxiety to overwhelm me at times. I’ve ruminated on things that haven’t happened or that I can’t control. I desperately want my fears to be assuaged. Often, I forget that God is waiting to exchange my worry for peace. Instead, I try to do more and work harder, hoping busyness will be the answer.

Read the rest over at The Glorious Table.

Share Four Somethings: March 2021

March is one of my favorite months. It’s the time when the weather begins to warm up, flowers pop up from the ground, and buds appear on trees. It’s the month before the pollen gets super crazy. It’s also my oldest’s birthday, which is a yearly reminder of my motherhood journey. It’s hard to believe I’ve been a mom for eleven years already. Only seven more years until she’ll be off to college (time slow down!). In an effort to hold on to things a little longer, it can be helpful to write down things you want to cherish or remember, which is, essentially, what Share Four Somethings posts are all about. If you want to share your monthly highlights with others, feel free to link up with us over at HeatherGerwing.com.

Something Loved

I saw these sticky cat flags while browsing Amazon and knew I had to have them. I’ve been using them to mark passages in books and it makes me smile every time I see one of the cat heads sticking out from between pages. It’s definitely the little things in life.

[Read more…] about Share Four Somethings: March 2021

God Is Our Remedy

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Ps. 34:4 NIV).

I have a tendency to get wrapped up in worry and anxiety. I spend large amounts of unproductive time concerned about whether something I said or did was received in a manner I didn’t intend. I fear that someone, somewhere is upset or disappointed with me. I preemptively stress about making correct decisions. I fear I’m not a good enough friend, a considerate enough spouse, or a caring enough mother. I wonder if I’m wasting my time by pursuing writing. Can the joy of the process truly be worth my time and effort? Is it a meaningful endeavor even if I’m never published, or am I just deluding myself?

Worry that I’m not doing enough is my constant companion. Should I call my family more? Make more effort to interact with my neighbors? Participate in more volunteer work in the community? Do I need to speak up more about social and cultural events? Should I be adding more encouragement and lightheartedness to social media? Would it be better to get off of social media altogether? Should I buy only organic, locally sourced produce and meat? Eat less meat? Support more local businesses? Am I exercising enough? Should I wear more makeup, but only the cruelty-free kind?

God Is Our Remedy

There’s so much happening around us that it’s quite easy to get worked up about anything and everything. We can spend all of our energy fretting about our world, our families, our roles, and our every word, decision, and action. Just thinking about it is enough to make our hearts race.

God doesn’t desire for us to live in a constant state of panic. When we see him or one of his messengers speaking to people in the Bible, they’re often trying to ease anxieties. Do not be afraid. Fear not. Take heart. These messages are repeated over and over.

Read the rest over at The Glorious Table.