I am afraid. Of my business failing. Of my ministry being put on hold. Of not getting healthy. Of the finances involved in putting 2 kids through college. Of so very many things both big and small. These fears are overwhelming me right now. And paralyzing me. And affecting my mood . . . and my sleep . . . and my appetite.
A children’s song that our daughters listened to over and over in their toddler years keeps going through my head today. It is not complicated. It just keeps repeating the same refrain over . . . and over . . . and over again:
When I am afraid I will trust in you,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you.
This song is taken directly from Psalm 56:3 and it goes on to say in verse 4, “In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.” Logically we know that God and his Word are the best anecdote we have for our fears. Emotionally we allow ourselves to spin out of control overwhelmed with fear, anxiety and worry.
Repeatedly in scripture we see the connection between fear, trust and deliverance:
Psalm 34: 4 - I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 91:2 – I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Isaiah 12:2 - Surely God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.
Fear is not from God. It debilitates us, robs us of our effectiveness, and steals our joy. “Fear not” and “do not fear” are common messages scattered throughout the Bible:
Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 43:1 – Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
When we are overcome by fear, worry and anxiety we have a choice. We need to:
Choose to believe that God’s word and his promises are true.
Choose to replace the negative thoughts with positive affirmations from God’s Word.
Choose to be transparent so we can get the support we need from the people around us.
Please join me in praying:
Precious Father –
When I am afraid I will trust in you,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you.
Amen.