“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” – Psalm 56:3
- Spiders
- Cancer
- Noises in the night
- Late night phone calls
- Surgery
- Violent storms
These are all things that frighten me. Some bother me more than the others, but every one of them can make my heart beat a little faster as my adrenal glands prepare me for my “fight or flight” response. Recently, more serious things tend to scare me. They are things I really have no control over. One is the current political situation in our nation. I am fearful of America’s future. I have also had some fears about the coronavirus. This fear is not overwhelming, but I continue to be cautious about where I go, and I always take my mask with me.
I don’t like being afraid, and when fears threaten to engulf me, I go to the only One I know who can alleviate my fears. God. He is my refuge and my strength, and my very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). When I remember that God is with me always, protects me always, and cares for me always, my fears subside. From that tiny little spider that scares me to death to the chaotic culture in which I find myself living, nothing is too difficult for God to handle. I can truly trust God in every frightening situation, no matter how trivial.
I find that the Word of God is so soothing when I am afraid. Verses that I have learned over time are brought to the forefront of my mind by the Holy Spirit, and it settles my nerves and calms my troubled soul.
Verses like…
- Joshua 1:9 – “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
- Psalm 23:4 – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
- Psalm 118:6 – “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?”
- Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
- Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
The next time you find yourself drowning in your fears, remember that God is just a prayer away. He is ready to save all who call on His name!
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
(from “Amazing Grace” by John Newton)
“For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” – Isaiah 41:13
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There truly is power in prayer! The next time you are afraid, pray your fears away!