Real Hope: Overcoming Stress and AnxietySample

Our Stronghold

As we deal with a lot of things in our lives, we often feel overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious. We often find ourselves jumping straight to the worst possible outcome, even before we have all the information at hand. It’s like we need to fear the worst so that when it isn’t that bad, we feel relieved. Why do we do that? Why do we feel the need to do that?

When we trust in the Lord, who shall we fear? David tells us that the Lord is the stronghold of our lives. A stronghold is a well-fortified place, a fortress. This is what the Lord is to us.

Because He is with us and is our stronghold, why do we need to be afraid? Things will still come at us, some expected and some unexpected, but one thing I have learned over the years is that the Lord is with me always, no matter what circumstance, diagnosis, life or work stresses are before me. Reliance on the Lord has helped me through these times and I know that I don’t have to be afraid.

We can rely on Him always and that means we do not need to jump to the worst outcome. Instead we turn to the Lord, Who is our light and salvation, for His comfort and security, knowing that He protects us and comforts us.

With the Lord by our side, we can deal with whatever is going on in our lives because He is our stronghold. On Him we can rely and therefore, do not need to feel afraid or anxious or stressed.

Written by David Barker