In these days when there seems to be so much going on around us, it is very easy to be fearful. We don’t know what is going to happen and we can't control the future. Sometimes we are overwhelmed by it, and panic can set in. This can lead to added stress and our health can be affected.
Did you know that God is aware of all of this? He knows that we struggle with fear…and that we sometimes struggle a lot. The reason that God knows all about it is because He created us. He knows all about our weaknesses.
For He knows how we are made. He remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:14
God knows that we are pretty frail beings with very little that we can control. That is why we have to depend on Him. In fact, that is what He really wants from us! He wants us to completely depend on Him for everything. This includes bringing all of our fears to Him.
When I was younger, I remember fretting over things so badly that my health began to be affected. I was so stressed out that no one could touch me because my skin would actually break out! I went to the doctor who asked me what kind of a job I had. He told me my problems were all self-inflicted stress. This was a big eye opener. I realized that I was adding to my problems instead of taking care of them.
My fears were actually an idol in my life! I was giving them more attention and acted as if they were more powerful than God. Thankfully, God used this to get me to look to Him and away from my fears. It’s still a work in progress, but I am learning.
I will say of Yahweh, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust.” For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers. Under His wings you will take refuge. Psalm 91:2-4
These verses talk about two big things that make us afraid—sickness and people who try to hurt us. But God understands these things scare us. Look what He says to us—He will protect us.
What do we need to do to get this protection? Prayer should be our very first reaction to fear. When we get into this habit we’re going to find that God will help us through any situation. He will actually give us knowledge on how to handle any situation. Sometimes the answers come through reading the Bible. Sometimes they come through a third party just out of the blue. Sometimes the situation remains, but we are able to better handle it. Whatever way, when God gives us the answers, we become confident in our faith.
I would like to list a few of my go-to verses when fear starts to creep on me. Of course, there are so many more that you can discover for yourself. But these are here to get you started.
Fear when struggling with finances or physical needs:
My God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
This is my favorite concerning financial needs because it refocuses my thoughts to where everything comes from in the first place!
Fear when struggling with health issues:
Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward person is decaying, yet our inward person is renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16
Praise Yahweh, my soul, and don’t forget all His benefits, who forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your desire with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:2-5
These verses help us focus on the eternal not the temporal. Our bodies belong to God, and He will heal in His way and His time.
Fear when others try to harm us:
I have put my trust in God. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11
Stop trusting in man whose breath is in his nostrils; for of what account is he? Isaiah 2:22
General fear of things going on around us:
Behold, Yahweh’s hand is not shortened that it can’t save; nor His ear dull that it can’t hear. Isaiah 59:1
Casting all your worries on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
This is an extremely abbreviated list. There are thousands more like this contained in the Bible. In fact, just picking up and reading the Bible is enough to quell fear!
As a basically fearful person, I have found that prayer and Bible reading are pretty much the only permanant solutions to controlling fear. There is no other way. I’ve seen amazing miracle after miracle happen when prayer and/or Bible reading are involved.
To conclude, let me share a short story to prove the point:
A while ago, my daughter's family came into town. We were waiting for Jenn to come over and visit. She is usually a little late, but it was getting later than normal. Her dad usually does not worry about things like that. As my granddaughter and I were sitting at the dining room table coloring, Jenn’s dad was calling her to see where she was. She was not picking up. Everyone started to get into panic mode. (I mean when someone who doesn’t worry starts worrying, everyone jumps on the bandwagon!) My little six year old granddaughter looks at me very seriously and says, “Grandma. Let’s pray.” We bowed our heads, and she began to pray. Just at the very end of the prayer, immediately the phone rang! It was an irritated Jenn letting us know that what she was doing had gone on longer than expected. She was on her way.
This little act of faith by a six year old child helped all of us. God heard those prayers offered in faith and answered immediately.
When we understand our Father God is bigger than any fear, we can be relieved knowing that He truly will take care of us.
Question:
Have you ever experienced a time when you know God was protecting you?