“The phrase ‘do not be afraid’ is written in the bible 365 times. That’s a daily reminder to be fearless everyday.”
I have seen this quote several times and I usually agree with it, but I find it hard for me to be fearless when I hear about another black man being shot and killed by the police. It’s hard for me not to think, “Will this happen to my husband, son, father, nephews, cousins, etc.” It’s also hard for me not to think, “Will this happen to me, my daughter, my mother, my sisters, my nieces, my cousins, etc.”
My wedding day…There’s POWER IN PRAYER |
I was raised in a strong Christian home where we were taught to live by faith, but sometimes I whisper to God that I have very little faith right now. During those times He reminds me to have faith in Him, and not those who were sworn in to protect us or our judicial system. With that said, do I live every day without fear? No, I don’t. However, when I do I’m honest with God about my fears and go to scriptures on fear; such as,
- 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) - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV)
- Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7, NLT)
- Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
(Philippians 4:6, NIV)
Do my fears immediately disappear? No, but I do have a peace that surpasses all my understanding. Yes, God wants me to live a life without fear, but He also wants me to be honest about how I feel and trust Him to protect my family and I. So today with fear in my heart, and unanswered questions in my mind, I declare “Lord I believe, but please help my unbelief.” The only way I know how to stay sane, and not worry myself to death during all these senseless killings is to:
- Pray fervently
- Dig deeper into scripture and remind me and my family of the promises of God
- Quote scriptures throughout my day, and personalize them with the person I’m praying for by name. (For example: God knows the plans He has for Tiffany, Dontay, Joy, and Bry, plans to prosper us and not harm us, plans to give us hope and a future.)
- Surround myself around those who are strong in their faith
- Hug my family a little tighter and spend more time with them (the dishes can wait)
- Continue to trust God because He’s still in control even when I don’t understand the whys and hows of life.
There are so many more ways we can encourage ourselves that are not listed above. I’d love to hear ways you encourage yourself and combat fear.