Soul Scientist

1 Samuel 16:7b ESV “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Fear is the first thing I think of with airports and planes. Mine isn’t the expected fear of flying. It’s the irrational fear of going through airport security and being hauled off to prison. Even before I enter an airport, scientist-me starts telling myself “You’re ok. You’ve done this numerous times before without ever going to jail.” But fear still clamps down on my heart, mind, and soul leaving me helpless even while knowing the truth that nothing and no one can separate me from Jesus or Him from me (see John 10:29).

That truth doesn’t change no matter how much I might believe otherwise.

Likewise, these two truths don’t change:

(1) Fear can’t conquer truth but it sure can cripple it.

(2) Fear can’t destroy truth but it sure can distract from it.

God gives me constant opportunity to trust Him with all parts of my life, including TSA and airport security checkpoints (see Proverbs 3:5-6). God promises the truth will set both you and me free (see John 8:32). And that freedom will help us thrive amidst all fears and finances, trials and temptations, unknowns and unforgettables, and companions and comparisons.

Does fear have you by the throat today? There’s room for you with me at Jesus’ feet in a faith that unlocks freedom. He always welcomes and gives wisdom in ways that speak peace and give life.

If you’re interested in hearing more on this topic and others related to thriving in suffering, please check out the posts on this website labelled “Consider it All Joy” videos 1-3. Video 4 is coming soon. If you’d like to hear the last night in this series, please join us at West Jackson Baptist Church this Wednesday 6/25/25 at 6pm in the Generations Hall. West Jackson Baptist Church is located at 580 Oil Well Road, Jackson, TN 38305.

written by and copyrighted to Beth Madison, Ph.D., 2025.