If you're anything like me, you are looking around at the world and are a bit fearful of our future. On a grand scale, we have Presidential candidates acting like middle schoolers and democracy being attacked in different parts of the world, and on a smaller scale every day we battle with sickness, unemployment, the fear of losing a loved one...
Fear. It is one of the enemy's most popular and deadly weapons that he uses against us. It is so easy to become overwhelmed by the looming darkness that we forget there is nothing that can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38-39).
In times where fear seems to creep in without notice, here are some Bible verses and songs to remind us that God has a plan. Believe that God is with us. Trust the One who is in control.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Psalm 22:28
For the kingdom is the LORD'S And He rules over the nations.
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Mark 4:39-40
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?
Mark 5:36
Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Revelation 1:17
Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.
Hillsong United: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Chris McClarney: God of Miracles
Read - and re-read - these words of life, of truth. Listen to the songs. Pray them out loud. Soak them up. Memorize them. So whenever fear or anxiety creeps in, allow God's word to be your double-edged sword. The war is over, God has already won!!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
look full in His wonderful face
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim
in the light of His glory and grace.
