When facing times of uncertainty it is so easy to become afraid. The temptation to panic during a stressful situation is all too real. But, God’s word tells us not to be afraid. Instead, we are to place our trust in Him. “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). We can count on God to be with us as we face our fears. He will enable us to handle all the troubles that come our way.

When I was younger I sometimes suffered from what I described as shyness. Now, looking back, a description of “anxiety” would be more accurate. I feared going into new places or facing new situations. I could stand up before a large group with only slight nervousness, but to walk into an unfamiliar restaurant or a home I had never been to before terrified me. I would be gripped by a sick feeling in my stomach, my head would spin and I could feel adrenalin race through my veins. It was a battle to get past those feelings and so often, I chose the much easier route and simply avoided situations that triggered that fearful response in me. The result was that I was missing out on much of the joy that God had waiting for me. When I shared my problem of anxiousness with my husband, he told me that whenever I felt that way, to reach out and hold his hand. He would know that was a request to him for prayer. Then, we would silently ask God for courage and walk into the new situation together. With God’s help and the support of my husband, I have been able to move beyond those momentary feelings of panic that sometimes afflicted me.

Though those feelings of fear were real, the basis of them was unfounded. My anxiousness was not based on fact. However, what happens when something occurs in our life when our fears are more understandable? Do we run from them in panic and miss what God may be trying to show us? Or do we look to God for support? “But the LORD is my fortress; my God is the mighty rock where I hide” (Psalm 94:22).

We need to remember that the Lord will protect us in all our fears. He will shelter us and keep us from harm. It is true that our bodies may fail, but God holds our souls. With that knowledge, there is no need to fear. Instead, during trials and when we face uncertainties in life, it is the time to remain strong in our faith. Rather than sitting back and cowering against the pain or sorrows that threaten to defeat us, it is the time to sow seeds of faith. When we demonstrate our trust in the Lord, remembering that He works all things together for the good, we are actively being a witness for Christ. As we look to God, rather than dwelling on our anxiety, we are free to plant seeds of His love in those around us. In turn, our joy in the Lord will overshadow even the deepest fears we may have. And, when we place our trust in Him, we will live in freedom from fear and enjoy a great harvest in life.

“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest” (Psalm 126:5-6).

Living for Him,

Joan

13 Comments

  1. Joan, how thankful I am that you stepped out into our world of blogging. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had the pleasure and fun of getting to know you.

    I understand those feelings of anxiety too. I tend to want to stay in my comfort zone. My mom was a big influence on me when I was younger. She encouraged me to do things I was afraid of. I think she actually lived out her missing teen years through me. She grew up in a very protective home.

    As an adult, Greg challenges me to step out of my comfort zone. And the Lord is teaching me to walk by faith even when I don't know exactly where we're going.

    Much love to you,
    Debbie

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  2. Joan, I have struggled with anxiety problems all my life. They are insidious and persistent. They have a way of robbing the heart and soul of PEACE.

    Thank you for your wonderful reminder that the Lord "will protect us in all our fears." We just have to TRUST Him...

    No God, know fear - KNOW God, NO fear!!

    GOD BLESS!

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  3. Thank you, Joan...I needed to read this tonight....

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  4. Joan I absolutely love your husband's response. What love, wisdom and grace he showed you. And it was exactly what you needed to overcome your anxiety.

    I have had a light bulb moment this week and have been replacing the word 'faith' with 'trust'. This is a great post. xo

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  5. Thank you for your beautifully encouraging post, Joan!

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  6. What a beautiful picture of comfort and peace... taking the hand of the One who can fully and "holy" handle our stress. How thankful I am this night for the kindness and tenderness of God the Father.

    peace~elaine

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  7. Thank you for this beautiful post. We are going through some times of uncertainty now and I know that God is with me, although I can still feel the storm around me. I pray all the time that I will not be taken over by anxious thoughts.

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  8. Joan - I have struggled with anxiety in the past. As a teenager, I was extremely shy and never thought I would be able to stand before a group of people and talk. Now, with my job, I often have to do this and I know without the Lord I would never be able to do so. I love the scripture, "be anxious for nothing..."

    About a year ago, the Lord spoke to me and told me I had to get out of my comfort zone. That is when I began to really get into my writing and blogging. Two years ago, I wouldn't have been ready, but He has been steadily preparing me for what is ahead (whatever that is) but I know whatever I face, He is with me.

    Wonderful post.

    (The other) :) Joan


    Blessings,
    Joan

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  9. Joan, thank you for being transparent with us about your battle with anxiety. We all have our battles and stories of triumph. Thanks for encouraging us with yours.

    Blessings.

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  10. Oh, Joan, you are so right. We often find that some fear is unfounded. I fear that I don't measure up, but I know that God loves me and I can trust Him.
    Thank you for your encouragement tonight -- need that for a tough week at work.

    Love & peace,
    <>< Iris

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  11. What a BEAUTIFUL Blog and great post...am adding you to my sidebar.....A few hours of Sunday blog hopping. Hope you will stop by for a visit...I am giving away gifts on both of my blogs this week, all week....
    http://teresa-grammygirlfriend.blogspot.com
    http://grammyababychangeseverything.blogspot.com/
    Happy Sunday

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  12. Thank you for sharing this lovely post. It spoke to me as I to sometimes suffer from shyness and anxiety.

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  13. Thank you for sharing. Great reminder the the Lord will protect us in all our fears.

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