There are days, (like this morning), when I am simply overcome by fears. Yes, fears *plural*. Overcome, in the sense, that they all come rushing like a flood to my mind. I am bombarded by them. I just want to run and hide.
Fear makes me want to give up on the visions and dreams God has put within my heart. I want to run and hide out from the world. I picture myself being held up in a choke hold by fear with my feet dangling below.
When fear attacks my mind and heart, and my chest feels heavy with a ton of very real, imaginary bricks, there is one place I know that will give me rest.
So this morning, overcome with fear after fear, I went to the place where I know I can find relief. My dining room table with Bible open in front of me.
I read and meditated on Psalm 34:1-11.
I especially love verse 4: I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
I didn’t read where my Wonderful Savior said “some of my fears“. He promises to deliver me from ALL OF THEM. Bless the Lord!
The next verse talks about looking unto HIM, and being lightened! Oh how we all need to be lightened from our burdens and fears! No?
The last few verses hit home:
O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
The Lord has all the answers for LIFE. He will not leave us desolate to fend for ourselves. He has given us the answer for any and everything, found in His Word.
Are you overcome with fear and anxiety today? Go to His Word and be lightened! Watch your fears vanish like popped bubbles. Feel yourself drop to the ground, as that fearful choke hold is released from your neck!
I read this quote on a friend’s facebook page the other day, and it really hit home:
There are things God wants you to do, and you are a split-second decision away from either walking into the will of God or shrinking back in fear.
~Cathy Lechner
Thanks for visiting!
Nancy says
WOW!!!!! So what I needed to hear. This week, I sent my youngest off to Kindergarten. Bittersweet. Overwhelming emotionally for me with conflicting emotions. I am starting back to work part time next week. First time working in 9 years! So many changes but I know God is guiding me even while I am anxious. Thank you for the timely post!
Kela says
When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, BUT of power and of love and of a strong mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
I’m listening to a series online called, “Living Fear Free” “Free from Fear” and “No Longer Afraid”. This is preventive maintenance.
If you’d like the link, email me!
Lara says
I can so relate, Traci. Especially where you said there are “very real, imaginary things.” I realized that anxiety was keeping me from the freedom Christ has granted me.
Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet says
Awesome post! I’ve been dealing with fear of rejection lately, but His Word has been such a comfort. Your post spoke so much to me today. Thank you for sharing!
~*Michelle*~ says
I am often a victim of fear…. the bondage is suffocating at times.
Thankfully we serve the Great I AM who can break those chains with His Word and Promise.
Steph says
Oh thank you so much for posting this today. I had a horrible 3 hours last night, just like you described. Instead of running to God I tried to deal with my anxiety attack on my own. I know better, but I was “lost in the moment” and trying to figure out my problems myself. Thank you for this post and guiding me in the right direction…back to God our comforter and provider.
~also I love the song you have on your blog ♥
Sheri says
That’s beautiful Tracy. Fear can just completely stop us.
Anonymous says
Thank you Tracy, I NEEDED to hear this today …..many fears running thru my mind for a while now !!!!
Theresa says
Great reminder. Yes, He is our hope and shield,and a very present help in time of need. Amen.
Kim - A Creative Spirit says
Thanks for the reminder to trust in Him to calm our fears and stand by us no matter what comes to pass.
Michelle says
I never thought of it that way. Always a split second away from either walking in God’s will or shrinking back in fear.
Thank you, Traci. One thing I have been learning to accept is that procrastination can be a sign of fear, but we might not always recognize it as such.
Great post.
Amber says
It is amazing how fear can consume us. It is more amazing how, if we take the time, sitting before the LORD soaking up the Word can calm our fears, change our perspective, renew us.
Thank you for sharing!!
Shelley Hendrix says
Hmmmm…so it’s NOT just me that struggles with this? 😉 Just knowing I am surrounded by other real, human, painfully honest real believers helps me to keep on keepin’ on when the fear tries to hold me back. Knowing we are not alone is HUGE. Probably why God was mostly concerned with our relationships (with Him and then other people) more than anything else.
Great post!
Amy in Peru says
I always pray Philippians…
“Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
That second part is a promise especially dependent on the first part, I think. SO, when tempted to be overcome by fear or anxiety of whatever kind, I let God know about it. Sometimes I have to let Him know every other minute or so… 😉
But it says that the peace of God WILL guard our hearts but not hearts only but our MINDS too (which is where fear resides)… I just ask God to give me the faith to believe his word is true and thank Him that He is faithful to His promises! 🙂
This is a struggle… will I trust GOD or will I be afraid? Will I believe that His word is true and that He will give me peace? or will I hold to things as I see them…
🙂
Peace to you friend,
amy in peru
Heather says
Wonderful and encouraging post, Traci!! Thank you!
Suzanne says
Such encouraging words that could only come from God’s Word! Thank you for sharing the comfort God has given you so that we all may be encouraged by it and ourselves run to Him. I really needed to hear this and appreciate you taking the time to minister to others.
Kristine says
This is so good and so true. I think we are all overcome by fears from time to time (I know I am!). Thank God we can indeed turn to Him for comfort, strength, peace, and more. Isn’t it such a gift that we can go to the Bible and find such power in God’s words. Thank you for sharing my friend.
Rachel @ The Cupcake Sprinkles In Life says
He is always helping me deal with my anxiety and depression issues!
Praises Be!