Here we are only a few days into this new year and I am sure that some of you have had to face circumstances or situations that are less than favorable. Some may have even received bad news that left you reeling. This isn’t God’s design or plan for you. His word is very plain – fear not!
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” Psalm 23:4 NLT
Like a good shepherd, Jesus walks with us through the darkest times and He brings protection and comfort where our enemies would like to infuse fear and unrest.
“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.” Isaiah 41:10 NLT
God, our Father, is loving and gracious. Any situation that we face doesn’t surprise Him; He has seen it coming and He has the answer. We need to press in to Him and let Him show us what it is.
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 NLT
To have our thoughts fixed on the Lord is to be focused on Him. It’s like looking through the lens of a camera, everything on the peripheral blurs while we concentrate solely on what’s right before us. Look at every detail of the Father’s character, see His wisdom, His love and compassion. See His words of promise and stay in a place of peace.
Our emotions and imaginations can lead us down the path of “what if’s” if we allow them too. That’s why it’s so important to keep our minds filled with God’s word. When God makes a promise He keeps it.
“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” Numbers 23:19 NLT
Give any worry or fear over to the Lord. Let Him carry the load and fear not!
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” I Peter 5:7 NLT