Clowns

Clowns…for some people they create smiles, laughter and take them back to those fun childhood memories. Then you have the individuals who avoid clowns at all cost because they evoke fear, tears and maybe an occasional nightmare that more than likely stem from some freak childhood event.

It’s crazy how one thing can bring about such different emotions in people. Our perceptions that were created and sustained by past experiences are so vital to our now it’s ridiculous. We unknowingly carry so much of our past with us daily simply due to the fear of dealing with it. We avoid it just like those terrifying clowns. Maybe they will go away! But no, they come up over and over again, others might not know what’s going on but we do.  We work hard to avoid it causing us to miss out on certain opportunities, relationships etc while it simultaneously affects our mental, spiritual and physical health in a negative manner.

Today, I encourage you to take a step towards defeating your past clowns one by one (past abuse, violent relationships, lost relationship, lay offs, substance abuse, sin you are ashamed to speak of etc). Just as David did the lions, bears and Goliath, we too can conquer our clowns! (1Sam 17:35; 49) This 

---

won’t be an easy task, but one step is to:

• Face the reality of your past that causes you to be mentally and physically hindered so that you can be set free (John 8:32). Look at it and acknowledge it no matter how embarrassing, shameful or hurtful it may feel (Isaiah 54:4).

Then…

• Seek peace in the area that causes you the most anguish, anxiety or numbness and don’t stop seeking it (1Peter 3:11). I ask that you do so in a healthy way understanding that true peace comes from God! (1 Thess 5:23; 1 Corin 14:33)
  

Allow God to take all the hurt and pain and turn it into positive purpose not only for you but for others! Remember your testimony is a key to someone else’s freedom (Gen 50:20; Rev 12:11) 

My hope is that you can beat fear and anxiety and face every clown in your life with confidence in your protection while seeking hope, understanding, peace and even joy in the midst. If that means scheduling an appointment to talk with a counselor, do it; finally open your heart up to God about it, then fall to your knees; Journaling about it, then journal; or finally talking about it, open your mouth! 

I think it might be wise to pray before clicking out of this window: 

Lord, I thank you for the person who is reading this post. Whatever event popped into their mind while they read this I pray you give them the courage to face it and defeat it. Grant them your peace that surpasses all understanding and may the day that they are able to utter the words of Ephesians 4:28 “let him who stole steal no longer…” become their reality. The peace, joy, and strength that has been stolen over the years or even just 12 hour period I pray is restored in its fullness. Give us wisdom in how to handle every situation, acting not off our emotions but the Holy Spirit. Please speak to us each individually and show us how we can handle our clowns through your word. I declare that on this day the devil can no longer trick you into being afraid of your yesterday. We will NOT be bound by clowns any longer! Cover us on this journey Lord sending your angels to protect us in all our ways. In Jesus name, Amen. 

John 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Isaiah 54:4 “Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; For you will forget the shame of your youth, And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore. 

1 Peter 3:11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

1Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 

Genesis 50:20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. 
 
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. 

2Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Check back in throughout the week in the daily devotion section to continue to deal with topic, utilizing many of the scriptures from above.