We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Matt Chow.
Bible Reading:
Proverbs 21:2
“… fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.“
Word:
For many of us, fear is a natural feeling. God knows this about us and he cares about every fear we have. In fact, the Bible tells us not to fear, take courage, and so on for more than 300 times. God does not want us to be consumed by fear, but he wants to offer you comfort in those times.
When my son was a few years old, I remember the first time that I took him to the playground. On the playground there was a jungle gym with a bridge that shook when you walked through it. The first time he raced on it, he immediately froze and started screaming. I’m certain he thought he was going to fall or the bridge wouldn’t hold him.
So I hopped up on the bridge and helped him walk across it. He was quick to realize, “My dad is with me and won’t let me fall.” That’s how God is when we face any fear. God isn’t disappointed when we are afraid or frightened. Instead, he wants to offer his assurance that we are going to be okay and his presence is enough.
When my son felt my presence there with him, he stopped crying and we made it across the bridge. My presence gave him the courage to face his fear and conquer the bridge. It’s exactly the same with God, his presence is with us and we can stand in courage knowing he is by our side.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I bring before you my fears. I know that you are almighty, but sometimes I am still afraid. Remind me of your presence and all of the times you were with me. Thank you for your promise to always be with me. In your name I pray, Amen.
Skillwork:
Next time you find yourself afraid, remind yourself of God’s promise to be with you. Jot down all of the hard times that he has brought you out of and thank him.
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