Yesterday I mentioned how easy it is to be afraid when we get news like Al Qaeda is planning a summer of terror attacks on U.S. soil. I can say to myself, “I know the Lord is greater than Al Qaeda; I know it;” and still have that queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Well, when that fear clings to me and won’t let go, I know my heart needs to be built up in confidence in the truth of God’s word; that He will take care of me no matter what.
Since faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, I find the Scriptures that remind me that God will take care of me; I write them out on 3×5 cards, and read them outloud to myself. Why outloud? Because faith comes by hearing. God’s word is true whether I have that queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach or not; but I would prefer to feel at peace and confident, LOL. Like David I will tell my soul (heart, mind, emotions) to hope again in God. Here are some of my favorites:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” 2 Chronicles 32:7-8
I love you, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3
He sent from on high, He took me;
He drew me out of many waters.
He rescued me from my strong enemy
and from those who hated me,
for they were too mighty for me. Psalm 18:16-17
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23
Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. Psalm 55:22
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the sojourners; He upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked He brings to ruin. Psalm 146:5-9
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. Isaiah 40:11
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34
The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
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Update: continued in The fear of sudden terror
and dont forget…."but God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love and of power and of a sound mind" quoting from memory, so may not be exact.
Its funny, this type of thing (Al Queda) does not cause me to fear, maybe its because it is out of my control, it seems far away, or because I don't read the news much , because that can cause fear….I am not saying I don't like to be informed, but I have usually found that if it is important enough for me to know about it then someone will tell me, and I am very selective about what I read.
For me, It's more the little things, like is my baby going to be in position for the upcoming birth. I remember after church one Sunday, a former pastor said to me unexpectedly…"Don't let Satan steal your joy!"….I knew as soon as he said that, that was going to be a test for me that week, of course I kept expecting something tragic or unexpected to come along, but it was the little things, my small children were being irritating etc, that I found I needed to watch my attitude for.
Anyway. Great post and reminder.Edited by KayinPA on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 at 3:07 PM