Church Pews: They’ve Got Storiesنموونە
Fear Not: The Power Of God Is Stronger Than Your Fears
As someone who frequently finds herself battling overwhelming feelings of fear and worry, I’ve found great comfort in knowing that the most frequently used command in the entirety of the Bible is “Do not be afraid.” From the very first time fear was mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 3:10 when Adam said “‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid,’” all the way through the book of Revelation, fear is a recurring theme found throughout the Bible as a whole. I think it goes without being said that fear can be a recurring theme in our everyday lives today, as well.
What comes to mind when you think of the word “fear”? Do you think of the dark, spiders, or heights? Maybe you think of failure, loneliness, or death. Maybe storms, rejection, or illness come to mind. Fear professes itself in a multitude of forms, and has a way of creeping into the deepest parts of our hearts and minds, planting seeds of doubt and worry. When the voices of fear in our lives scream loudly, it can become easy to miss the infinitely more powerful and strong voice of truth.
When I was a little girl, I was terrified of sleeping in my own bed at night. The dark was ominous and scary as I felt surrounded by the fears my imagination created. I remember my Nana teaching me to speak the Name of Jesus over myself when fear began to creep in as I tried to sleep. While my fears look different now, I’ve still found that same technique to be powerful in reminding me of Who has power over every single one of my fears.
Which fears are you facing today? Which anxious thoughts are taking hold of your mind? No matter what your answer might be, take comfort in knowing that God is with you… even if it’s hard to believe right now.
Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” I encourage you to etch this verse deep into your heart. I challenge you to try committing it to memory and speaking it over yourself in moments of anxiety and worry this week, as to remind yourself that nothing you face is stronger than the power of God.
Pray this prayer with me: God, today I pray Psalms 56:3 over myself: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Help me to turn to hear Your voice and believe Your truth when I become overwhelmed by fear. I choose to trust you today, Lord. Thank you for loving me. Amen
Fear not the water, for it answers to Him.
Fear not the fire, for He’s in it with you.
Fear not the lion, for it fears the Lamb.
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About this Plan
A Five Day Devotional by Riley Clemmons Joy, identity, fear, anxiety, grief, empathy, and hope are a few of the themes that inspired me to write my album “Church Pew.” Join me in this devotional as we dive deeper into these, in hopes that we are able to draw both inspiration and strength from the Word of God as we navigate the ups and downs of this life together.
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