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 to 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).

Trusting in Him,









19 Comments

  1. Thank you for this timely reminder, Joan...I, too, suffer from "shyness"....and have never looked at it in the way you presented in this post...your words have encouraged me today to trust more fully in the Lord....

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  2. I am so glad to have been an encouragement, Karen! What a blessing it is to have our Father with us every step of the way! We are never alone =)

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  3. Joan your post is right on! I am finding as I visit this evening I am needing what is in front of me! Thank you for sharing!

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  4. We can count on the Lord to stay with us, giving us the courage we need! Blessings, Anne!

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  5. Charlotte DitmoreSeptember 29, 2012

    Boy, I can identify with this. I was also shy when I was younger - not as much so now. Anxiety attacks were a common thing with me. In my 40s I almost got over having them. I think being raised in a legalistic church had something to do with it. We weren't taught about God being with us and trusting Him so much as we were taught doctrine and how important it was to get everything exactly right. Any mistakes (in doctrine) and heaven was not in your future. I'm so glad God showed me the way out of this as I prayed that He would show me the right way. He was faithful and did just that.
    Blessings,Charlotte

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  6. I can't add anything to Charlottes well written reply, other than to say a big SITTO

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  7. Yes, when I was a child, I wasn't taught anything about having a relationship with God. I am so thankful that I learned that is something He truly desires. What a blessing!

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  8. I can't add anything to Charlottes well written reply, other than to say a big SITTO

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  9. That was a big DITTO

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  10. Beautifully said, Joan.....how very important it is for us to remember this on a daily basis!

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  11. I was bound for years in anxiety and panic attacks, but God has graciously brought me to a sure place in Him. I'm so thankful for His ever present help and his kindness that makes us great. He searches for those whose hearts are turned to him and hears each plea for help. We serve a powerful, strength-enabling God. Like you say, why cower in fear, when he offers amazing help, freely and generously!
    Blessings.

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  12. I love the version you used for the verses in Psalm. I want the seeds I have planted in tears to reap some joy!

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  13. I truly loved this post Joan. As I was reading it, I nodded along, knowing that feeling too well. I praise our Lord, for the great love of your husband as he helps you. Mine does the same, which I am so grateful for. Thank you for sharing your heart. Blessings, my friend x

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  14. Yes, it is good to remember that He is always with us! It is such an encouragement!

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  15. He will keep our feet from stumbling when when focus our eyes on HIm! Blessings, Ruth!

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  16. Thanks, Pamela! (It is the NLT version.) Remember that God never, ever wastes a hurt. He will use even our sorrows and hurts to bring good. We may not understand it at the time, but He is always faithful!

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  17. Thank you, Anita! I think that God places people in our lives (such as our husbands!) to help us. I am so grateful as well! Have a blessed day, Anita!

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  18. I loved this Joan. I've felt a similar feeling to this, especially when I was a young teen. I'm much better now, but growing up I lacked self-confidence and it spilled over into a lot of areas of my life.

    I give God all the credit when it comes to helping me grow.

    Thank you for a lovely post.

    I love this verse you shared. “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)

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