Worse than cancer or any disease...

Worse than cancer or any disease…

…is the fear of public speaking. Have you ever heard that? Hard to believe. But I can sort of agree. When I was in school, I’d rather die than get up in front of the class. Tiny demons of torment jabbed at me through each minute of speech class in my freshman year of high school.

Then something happened - at the age of thirty-two I lost my sight. And when I settled in the arms of the Lord, confidence rose, security flourished, fear subsided, and courage rose like water in the bathtub.
But here’s one secret I hide in my heart. When speaking, I focus only on one person -one who might need encouragement, inspiration or just an uplifting word. That’s the trick - not to picture a church full of people. Instead, just imagine one, single, solitary person waiting to be inspired.

But when it comes to life, we function differently, don’t we? We try to please everybody -hubby, kids, and friends, church, bosses, and parents. Phew! The list is endless.

When in fact, the answer is to focus on that one person we need to please - the Lord. He’s our audience who deserves our efforts, our diligence, our words of praise; and He is the only one, repeat, the only One who will judge, guide and approve or discipline us.

So, when you’re furiously dashing from task to task…whom are you aiming to please?

Don’t you just love David’s cries to the Lord? They’re so packed with emotion, zest and passion. He knew when the battle was more than he could handle, he only had the audience of one - Almighty God.

I invite you to step into the same tent David sat, pouring out his heart to his audience of one: Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name" (Psalm 61:1-5).

When in the privacy of your tent, I pray you focus on the audience of the One, the only One who sees your heart, hears your cries and dries your tears. And the only One who offers to be your refuge in moments of pain.

Janet

p.s. The March issue of my free inspirational newsletter is about to come out…have you signed-up? Just send a blank email to: splash_of_inspiration@getresponse.com.