I knew from the beginning that I wanted my "A" word to be "afraid," and yet, couldn't remember a time I'd ever been truly afraid. Yes, I had been fearful of things, like starting university or that feeling in your stomach right before you go on a rollercoaster, but never that true "oh my goodness, I am terrified" feeling.
But then last week, the Lord gently reminded me that I'm experiencing a time right now where I am extremely afraid. The kind of afraid that paralyzes you and makes you cry all at the same time. For the past couple of weeks, I've been feeling like my thyroid levels may be off. I've been nauseous, losing my hair, feeling antsy; just off. I asked my Bible Study girls to pray for my body, and out came the word "afraid." I'm afraid that my levels are off and that I'm in for months of adjustment; months of nausea; months of not being my true self. After the words came out, I said to God, "I am so afraid of what's in store for my future." He reminded me in that moment that though I may be afraid, I have no need to be if I put my trust wholly in him.
If you, too, need some encouragement during a time of feeling afraid, below are reminders that God will forever protect you and cast away your fears.
Deuteronomy 31:8 "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Psalm 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 56:3-4 "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise - in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
Isaiah 12:2 "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."
Isaiah 41:10 "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
Mark 5:36 "Overhearing what they said, Jesus told them, 'Don't be afraid; just believe.'"
Luke 12:6-7 "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
John 6:20 "But he said to them, 'It is I; don't be afraid.'"
Hebrews 13:6 "So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'"
For an introduction into this "Alphabet Word Study" - click here.
Add your comment