Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. 6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. 7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. 8 Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, 10 no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. Psalm 91:5-10
This passage is effectively saying, no matter what is happening around you, you do not need to be afraid.
Obviously God expects us to do what we can. If you’re in a burning building, you need to exit.
If you are in a war zone, you do whatever you can to protect yourself, and get to safety, praying all the way.
Even after you have done all you can, the war may be raging around your refuge.
That is when you rely on the arsenal of God’s promises.
So, exactly how, can you fight fear with those promises?
Being highly concerned about something can propel you to drop all things and address the issue. And sometimes, that is exactly what’s needed!
When I was diagnosed with cancer, fighting that cancer took precedence over every other thing in my life. Although I was a home schooling mom, my girls entered public school. Although I was a church member, I stopped volunteering. Although I was a runner, I stopped training.
I stopped everything to address the cancer.
But how do you address fear?
1. Read Scripture
2. Recall Scripture.
3. Implement Scripture.
You need to identify your power verse, or verses. These are all God’s word, there for your conviction and encouragement.
When I felt absolutely awful, especially a few days after chemo, mine was Philippians 4:8.8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Even though I am not the center of their world, my kids are OK.
Even though the prognosis is very bad, I’m here today. (And I’m not dead yet!)
Although it looks like the cancer is winning, God is still on His throne.
In overwhelming moments when I felt my faith might waver, I prayed like the man in Mark 9:24. “I do believe You can change my outlook, my circumstances, Lord, help me to keep believing!”
We are not meant to bear our burdens alone. When we rely on God, He really will supply all our needs.
His grave is sufficient.
Even, in the face of fear.
Reflections:
What verses have helped you face fear? Please share your encouragement with us!
Thanks for reading! Please return by Thursday, June 20, 2013 fo the next post.
Oh my! Again the go to scripture this week must be Ps:91 as it is on my computer via your devotional lessons and on my desk calendar. The Lord always speaks just when we need it. Are we listening to all those whispers and loud “fog horns” of Truth? Amen! I love this Mark scripture too. That is one to cherish as I continue on this journey towards accepting things in this life that we are not meant to control. Love Ya Sis! Me :o)
Dawn, Thank you so much! The Psalms are such a source of comfort. When you have time, (when would that be?), I would highly recommend Beth Moore’s “Reflective Bible Study series, David, 90 Days With a Heart Like His.” > Date: Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:27:12 +0000 > To: Stefanie_L_Brown@hotmail.com >