My anxiety has been in full gear recently. I struggle with worry and various things that come up during the day can trigger it. I can feel completely normal, then hear about something and will be totally filled with fear.
But God doesn’t want fear to fill us when unexpected things happen in our life. He tells us hundreds of times in His Word not to fear. I think this means He expects that we will fear, but wants us to rely on His strength instead. He wants us to focus on the fact that He is in control no matter what. It is safe to pray “Thy will be done.”
From our readings today, these verses stood out to me.
“Six days shall work be done, but the seventh is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord.” Exodus 31:15 ESV No matter how busy our lives get, taking a day to rest is necessary.
“Keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.” (Proverbs 7:2-3) ESV We need to be constantly focused on living how he teaches us. Guess you could say He knows we are forgetful.
“The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I come that you may have life abundantly.” (John 10:10) ESV The Enemy wants us to be bound up in fear. But that robs us of our joy.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in good season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) ESV Do the right thing. Check on a neighbor. Encourage a friend. Count your blessings. Pray for one another.
The following verse from Nahum is not from our readings but how I would like to end. He is faithful to us. Show Him that our trust is in Him, not the things of this world.
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him.” (Nahum 1:7) ESV
~Kellie
Sixty-six books in a year 