Lord my Protector

This post is as much for me as it is for you. I have struggled my whole life with fear and anxiety, just like so many of you. I believe fear is one of the easiest ways for the devil to “get to us.” I have my fair share of silly fears that normal people don’t usually bat an eye at: fish of any kind (even little clown fish) terrify me. Those fears aren’t what I am talking about. I am also constantly overwhelmed by the number of dangers there are to my babies. I worry if they will suddenly stop breathing at night. I worry my toddler will run off and get lost when I’m out and about. I am afraid of people breaking into my house when my husband is gone for the night. I worry about finances and if we will have enough for future needs. The list goes on and I am sure many of you can relate.

So what does the Bible say to people like you and me?

“Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? (Luke 12:22-26)”

“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. “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 41: 10-14)”

What a powerful message the Lord gives us in such a simple statement, “do not fear.” Take heart my fellow worriers! The Lord is with us. In times when I feel fearful or worried I find there is true comfort in repeating these verses to myself. Even in my short life there have been many times that I have worried and feared only to have something remarkable happen to pull me through. There have also been times when my fears seemed justified, times where I got hurt or something fell apart. When the dust cleared I realized that even though things didn’t go well God had managed to find a way to work all things for His good. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)” Our God created the world, surly He has all the power He would need to intervene on my behalf. In the times that He doesn’t intervene I need to trust there is a purpose, maybe a lesson to learn or an experience that I can now share to help others through similar hurts. This blog wouldn’t exists if I hadn’t ever been hurt.

It is okay to acknowledge that we are afraid but then we need to turn around and give that fear up to God and trust Him and His purpose. God is always with us; if we have someone so awesome and powerful watching out for us what is there to fear? Keep living and fighting every day to give up all your fears to the Lord. Others, like me, are fighting along with you! If there is anything I can do to help or pray for you please let me know! Josh and I have always hoped for this blog to be a step toward letting you all know we are approachable and are here to help, even if all we can do is pray. tasha.bell@ponderinghearts.com

God bless,
Tash