Fear and Love are two of the most powerful human emotions I can think of. There are those who are terrified to be alone and then there are those who are horrified to let people get close to them. I often pray for people who struggle with relationships/friendships and am curious as to the reason behind their feelings and emotions. I seek understanding as to why they are the way that they are to help me figure out why I struggle with similar challenges. In relationships, fear can dictate how your life will be, always wondering “what if”, or by Love, blessed beyond measure. To Love at all is to be vulnerable. When a person opens themselves up to Love someone else, they certainly take the chance to be offended, have their heart hurt and possibly shattered. Sometimes, the Lord leads us through relationships like a shepherd leads His sheep, gently teaching us when to rest, when to trust, and when to move forward. There are seasons when the pasture feels lonely, yet even in those quiet places, God is never absent, and He is faithfully tending to the heart He created. We may not understand why certain people cross our path or why some relationships remain while others fall away, but we can trust that God sees what we cannot see. God isn’t demanding that wounded people suddenly become fearless; He is walking with them while they learn to trust again. When we surrender our fears to Him, He can teach us to recognize the difference between wisdom that guards the heart and fear that keeps the heart from living. I pray as to how to exactly to do what is written in Proverbs 4:23 Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. Even though we are to “guard” our heart, people tend to wrap up their heart carefully with the busyness of life and avoid emotional entanglements that could cause even the smallest possibility of discomfort. Some lock it up safely in a box for survival, but in that box, it may be safe, but it is also dark, motionless, and that heart will change. It will become hardened, impenetrable, and unbreakable if left there. Survival isn’t the same thing as truly living. The only place outside Heaven where we can be perfectly safe from all the dangers of Love…is Hell. If a person really wants to make sure of keeping their heart completely pliable and soft, they must draw near to God and ask Him to show them who to allow access to it. A guarded heart does not have to be a closed heart; it can remain tender while being firmly rooted in the wisdom and protection of the Lord. Like a garden entrusted to a careful gardener, our hearts need both boundaries and sunlight, both protection and room to grow. For those who have been damaged by trauma, the people sent by God will Love you, stay by your side, support and motivate you to draw closer to the Lord Jesus, Who will help you to be fearless as you run the race God has set before you. It’s not simply saying, “Stop being afraid.” It’s saying, “Bring your fear to Christ, let Him teach you discernment, and don’t allow what wounded your heart to determine whether your heart gets to Love again.” I believe there is room at the table for every wounded, frightened, lonely, and weary heart, because none of us are beyond the reach of God’s grace. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you come. You don’t have to hide your scars or pretend that fear has never touched you; you can bring your whole heart before Christ and allow Him to teach you how to Love again. There is courage in opening the door when God says it is time, and there is conviction in believing that the people He places in our lives can become part of His healing work. Love is worth the risk, but we don’t have to take that risk alone for He will guide us as we continue to ask for direction. The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they are felt with the heart as it is laid before God for Him to direct and protect. Closing thought is from Charles Spurgeon, “Hearts are broken in ten thousand ways, for this is a heart-breaking world. And Christ is good at healing them all.”

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.