What to do when (not if) we are afraid -

Fear is an emotion, and there is nothing we can do about it. Really?

Scripture instructs us not to focus on our circumstances when we are afraid, but to look to God, and wait for Him. He doesn’t always show up the way we expect, nor does He always resolve things the way we think He must. But He always shows up, and He always provides His way for us to move forward:

“‘Do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,

Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me;

Fighting all day long he oppresses me.

My foes have trampled upon me all day long,

For they are many who fight proudly against me.

When I am afraid, (NOT IF)*

I will put my trust in You.

In God, whose word I praise,

In God I have put my trust;

I shall not be afraid.

What can mere man do to me?” Psalm 56:1-4

*Parenthetical thought added

“The Lord is my light and my salvation;

Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the defense of my life;

Whom shall I dread?

When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh,

My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

Though a host encamp against me,

My heart will not fear;

Though war arise against me,

In spite of this I shall be confident.

One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the Lord

And to meditate in His temple.” Psalm 27:1-4

“I sought the Lord, and He answered me,

And delivered me from all my fears.

They looked to Him and were radiant,

And their faces will never be ashamed.

This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him

And saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him,

And rescues them.” Psalm 34:4-7

“But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob,

And He who formed you, O Israel,

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name; you are Mine!

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,

Nor will the flame burn you.

“For I am the Lord your God,

The Holy One of Israel, your Savior …

“Since you are precious in My sight,

Since you are honored and I love you,

I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.” Isaiah 43:1-4

“Do not call to mind the former things,
Or ponder things of the past.
“Behold, I will do something new,
Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19

What to do when (not if) we are afraid

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