In Others’ Words: Holding Back the Flood of Fear

 

Fear was a constant companion of mine last week.

It was as if a predator stalked the edges of my life for days. I was unsettled. Unable to sleep. Unable to focus. My prayers seemed pathetic … disjointed … to no avail.

I went to bed each night determined to be braver when I woke up, only to find myself battling fear again. Circumstances hadn’t changed — some days even held new, unexpected challenges — and my heart struggled to hold on to hope.

What if … What if … What if … 

So many questions, so many possibilities, and no answers. Fear seemed to be winning — to be ruling my days, governing my thoughts.

Where was my courage?

Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of building “dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.” Such an accurate analogy, as fear can flood our minds and hearts, overwhelming us. But how do we build those dikes? What can withstand an onslaught of unrelenting fear?

I found myself turning, time and time again, to the Truth of God’s Word to fortify my courage.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. (Psalm 56:3 NIV)
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13 ESV)
For I m the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13 NIV)
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. (Psalm 29:11 NIV)
Trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8 NIV)

 

Reading and centering my heart on these truths didn’t change my circumstances, but they did calm my heart. By focusing on who God was, and his promise to be my help, my refuge, my source of peace, I was able to push back against the fear I faced all week long.

In Your Words: May you be so aware of God’s presence this week. What truth about God enCOURAGES you when you battle fear?

In Others’ Words: Holding Back the Flood of Fear https://ctt.ec/75olG+ #InOthersWords #courage #quotes @bethvogt

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“We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.” https://ctt.ec/9nqJ5+ #MartinLutherKingJr #quotes #courage @bethvogt

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