“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

Life can become hectic and unstable.

Some of us rely on an income that isn’t steady or ebbs and flows with the seasons. Others are consumed with studies in graduate school, or feel overwhelmed with their workload. Some of us have lost a job unexpectedly. Others have lost a relationship or still aren’t in one and feel frustrated and confused.

All of these situations can induce fear and anxiety, but they don’t have to. Jesus has left us with His peace – to know that He will get us through these trials and provide for our needs. In Matthew 6, Jesus asks if God takes care of the animals, why wouldn’t he take care of us, His children? Perhaps some of these unexpected events are the result of a loving God trying to draw us closer to Him.

When hard times come, and we’re backed up in a position we can’t get out of, we tend to run to God. We suddenly realize that He’s our only help.

Instead of worrying about where the income is going to come from when you’ve applied for job after job, trust that God will provide at the right time. Rather than spending hour after hour holed up in your room with your studies, take a breather and enjoy the blessings around you, like friends, family and nature. Stop fretting over your relationship issues. Instead, take them to God. He’ll help you.

Dear Lord, please forgive me for worrying instead of trusting. Give me your peace to realize that you’re in control, and you will not leave me lonely and struggling. Let me look to your word and be strengthened by all of the stories of deliverance and grant me the ability to wait patiently in the meantime. Amen.

By Ashlea Massie
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

Hiding Place
He Guides Us
Jesus is Always There!
God WILL take care of you
How Big is God?

The post No Fear appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” Psalm 46:1,2 (NKJV)

Living near one of the most majestic mountains of the Cascade range, I am constantly reminded of the might and presence of our Creator God.  Rounding a corner as I drove to work one day, I was met by another breathtaking view of Mount Hood.  As it towered directly in front of me, its beauty and steadfast presence brought these verses to mind: “We will not fear. . .though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”

My imagination began to run wild.  What if something as sure and steadfast as Mount Hood did uproot and was suddenly hurled into the Pacific Ocean? A mountain dropped in the sea would cause an alarm greater than its splash. Fear would be the most natural result.

If that were to happen, what would we do?  Scripture says, “We will not fear.”  If we will not fear, even if the most terrifying “natural disaster” were to occur, will we fear in financial uncertainty, political upheaval, an unknown future, or a scary diagnosis?

“We will not fear” is not a mantra to be recited continuously until we convince ourselves to do what we say. It is the response of faith in the character of our steadfast God – a God more steadfast than the highest mountains and more present than our overwhelming troubles.  We will not fear, because “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Prayer:  Father, Thank You for being our refuge and strength. Thank You for Your abiding presence. Grant us the faith to trust You with our uncertainties.  Grant us the faith that swallows fear, for Your Name’s sake. Amen.

by Bethany Hayes
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•   God Provides for His Own
•   God is Bigger than All My Problems
•  Salvation Explained

The post We will not Fear appeared first on Thoughts About God.