Shine BrightSample

Day Two:  What Are You Afraid Of? 

We live in a super anxious age. When we’re nervous or worried, every part of us suffers. We may experience headaches or stomach problems. We may feel like we can’t catch our breath. Our hearts sincerely go out to everyone battling anxiety right now. We know how hard it is, especially for younger women. You are not alone. 

 Sister, the two of us have to battle worry and fear as well so we’re in this fight together! But the awesome news is that there’s truth that not only counterattacks but also totally conquers our fears. It’s tucked inside the power-packed verse of Isaiah 41:10.

Though God’s prophet Isaiah wrote these words thousands of years ago, he pinpointed some of the top fears women confess having. He also gives us the hope we need to face them.

Women report feeling anxious about being alone or abandoned. God says, “Fear not, for I am with you.” Sister, this is a forever promise! One of God’s names is Emmanuel, which literally means “God with us.” We are never, ever alone.

Women also say they’re afraid that if people really knew them, they wouldn’t be loved or accepted. But when God tells us, “Be not dismayed, for I am your God,” He reminds us that He, the One who made us and knows every single thing about us, fully accepts us. We don’t have to fear someone “finding us out.” 

The fear of losing control also plagues many of us. Keeping things under control has become our way to feel safe and secure. Trouble is, the more we try to control things, the more anxious we become. Isaiah 41:10 gives us hope! God promises to help us and strengthen us. He also promises to hold us up, above the wind and waves of our troubles.

And this brings us to one final fear women battle—the fear of failure. The word translated as righteous in Isaiah 41:10 also means “victorious” in Hebrew. God wins! The end of your story is victory, not defeat.

Next time you feel fear creeping in, remember God is with you and for you, strengthening you and securing your victory. Fear has to flee before our God!

What does today’s passage in Matthew 6 teach about how God cares for you, His beloved girl? How can this help you face your worries and stresses?