Welcome Encouragement for Today friends! I am so glad you are here! In my devotion today I shared one of the many ways I have learned to process my worries and fear, and how God used my own struggles to help my son overcome his.
And I also wanted to share a printable to download and keep for those days when you and your loved ones feel afraid.
CLICK HERE to download my “Fear Not For I am With You” FREE printable.
These verses have been woven into countless conversations I’ve had with Jesus about my fears and worries, and my kids’ too. I love these scriptures because the first one includes God’s words speaking to me, and the second one is phrased as my declaration and prayer back to Him.
There is nothing more powerful than our hearts hearing our lips proclaim our trust in God’s truth. Again and again.
I pray this printable is a blessing today as you let it lead your anxious thoughts to Jesus!! Hold those worries in your hands and ask: Is this what Jesus would say to me?
If fear is saying something to your heart that Jesus would not say to you – then the answer is NO! And YOU GET TO DECDE that it doesn’t get to stay! I’m praying for each of you who stop by today!
ENTER TO WIN: A Confident Heart Devotional GIVEAWAY
Enter to win my A Confident Heart Devotional book and my favorite prayer journal from DaySpring. Perfect for summer and life on the go – my Confident Heart Devotional book is filled with powerful stories, practical life-lessons and biblical insights to help you and your loved ones overcome fear and worry through the power of God’s truth each day!
How much does fear or worry impact your daily decisions and joy (or your child’s)? Click “Share Your Thoughts” below and do just that. Your comment will be your entry to win!
I struggle with fear and anxiety everyday. But I know God is more than capable to transform those fears into faith. But it takes work on my part to take each thought and do like you said, ask myself, is this something that Jesus would say? When it’s not, throw it away and keep doing that until I allow Jesus to truly have control over me. This book sounds great.
I’m worried about being separated from someone I love. I’m afraid of the future. I worry a lot. I wonder what I’m worth. What should I do with my life? Can I really make a difference in the world? Sometimes I feel alone in the world. It seems everybody’s against me. I can’t do anything right. I’m afraid of what could happen. The possibility of death frightens me. I need to make a decision, what steps should I take?
These fears and worries, this way of thinking daily…
→Pain of regret. When fears and worries come I stop and begin running the opposite direction. Eventually, I gave up and life at that time seemed pointless. My thoughts grew more and more negative and soon the words I say and the things I did became more selfish. I didn’t have a sense of direction and I didn’t know what I wanted anymore. Fell into depression and three times I’ve attempted suicide.
Praise God and God Bless SOLI DEO GLORIA SWEET SWEET SWEET HONEY TO THE SOUL IT TRULY IS AMEN
→I now understand that I was never alone because the Lord our God is Faithful and True. All that I went through was exactly what I needed to break me down humbled before God. Once I made the decision to intentionally live for the Glory of God and in everything to please him who enlisted me and the rest is history.
“In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” Psalm 118:5-9
For as long as I can remember, I have always fought anxiety . . . in the most horrible times of my life I have always felt peace, though. Looking back I know He never leaves us. BUT I still struggle almost daily. Time to conquer this! 🙂
I am such a worrier. I am trying to overcome this. Your devotion comes at the perfect time. Thank you so much.
When my children worry about a decision they need to make in regards to which direction/choice they should make, my husband and I also say, “You cannot lose what you do not have” so after praying about it, make a choice and go for it! God will direct our paths when we are abiding in Him!
Although I am still a work in progress, fear still grabs ahold of me so easily. I fear the judgement or criticism of others because I fear letting them down. “Am I screwing up my kids? Does my husband still love me? How are we going to pay for the van that broke down? I’m not doing this motherhood thing right! Why can’t I find friends that stick by the way I stick by them?” I’m learning what my strengths are and how best to do the things I should and shouldn’t, but saying “No” has always been difficult. Fear likes to hit me most when I am trying to concentrate or sleep. It causes me to second guess everything I did – good and bad. Sometimes my fears are because I won’t let go of past hurts or disappointments in myself. Giving it to God is what I work on. Sometimes it’s easy and I can trust that God is in control and others I must ask for God’s help with every breath. God has a good plan for me (Jeremiah 29:11), God won’t abandon me (Philippians 1:6), God’s been with me since the beginning and won’t leave now (Psalm 139), and God loves me no matter what (1 John 3:1). These are the truths I hide in my heart so I can make it day to day. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. There are days I don’t want to get out of bed, but I know that God will be with me and help me through the difficult times. God’s brought me this far, He won’t leave me now.
Fear is controlling me to the point I became unable to function at work and am on long term disability insurance for anxiety and depression – I don’t want to end up on government disability but am overwhelmed with anxiety!
How much does fear or worry impact your daily decisions and joy (or your child’s)?
Every day. My fear of failure paralyzes me to the point that I become inactive. I don’t want to share this with my boys.
Fear controls so much of my life. I’m always worried about what others think.
I suffered from panic disorder/depression/phobia for more than 15 years. The lord healed me completely one day at a prayer meeting.
I am a worrier but have always been able to manage it and like your said I never thought that maybe this would be passed on to my kids. My oldest daughter who is almost 6 has begun to be afraid and anxious about certain things that make no sense. She is scared to watch a DVD or go to a movie because “something may happen” at the end, although when you ask her what she can’t explain. She is scared to be left in the car when it is running. She is scared to be in the tub when the drain is pulled but is also scared to be in the shower if you cover the drain. She cannot be in either without a parent standing directly next to her. This is among other thongs. I hope this is just a phase, bUT I am also scared that it will just get worse instead and she will end up being scared of everything and afraid to leave the house.
I have a few days a week where I have fear and I just rebuke it in Jesus name! I have learned through your ministry that using God’s word against the enemy is the most powerful tool we have to defeat our fears!
The last five years we have dug ourselves out of $50,000 of credit card debt on one salary. Praise God! I was called by God to stay at home with my children. I knew this calling at the age of ten years old. I got into the trap of wanting what I want and right now due to things in past that spilled over into our marriage. But God convicted me and I spoke to my husband about it and now we are living on a cash basis. But during those years it seems every major appliciance has broke or quit and a major health problem arose. But God supplied every last penny to pay for two new ac units in the house, refrigerator, pump float and new alarm box, car tires, car repairs(expensive), used washing machine(nicer than the 5 year old one), dishwasher, emergency surgery on our dog, another colonoscopy within months of each other. I have realized you cannot rely on money but on God alone. He will be their with you if you put your trust in him. Still not quite debt free but almost there. I am also an HSP(highly Sensitive Person) which causes anxiety issues bc I haven’t learned to balance things well as of yet. But with God all things are possible. This article brought tears to my eyes. I am working on automatic negative thoughts now. Pray for me to continue reaching for God in my time of need instead of material possessions.
Thank you for sharing how to capture worries. I’ve heard to take thoughts captive but never what to do with them afterword.
Thank you for this devotional. It is such a blessing to me.
Thank you for this devotional. It is such a blessing to me. I will be using it with my children.
I feel alone and afraid at times my husband passed away and he always took care of everything so I worry am I doing the right thing. I pray for wisdom and understanding from God to guide me on this journey.
“Gnawin’ on a worry bone…” My friend’s description always makes me smile! I am guilty & I battle it day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment; I give it to god & then before I know it I’ve snatched it back! Thanks for your sweet voice of encouragement in my day!
When the gap widens between paychecks and bills. The ends just don’t meet.
I worry far more often than I care to admit and my first instinct isn’t always to let go and give it to Jesus. I love the feeling when I finally do let go and I want my heart to be more confident. I will use your “What would Jesus say to me?” Thanks for the devotional!
My husband says I worry about things that don’t matter. He is probably right. I try not to worry but it is hard. I really loved the idea of taken each worry and deciding what would Jesus say about this and visualizing getting rid of it. Thank you.
Something I struggle with daily. I love your illustration with the ball. I need to remind myself to do this every time a worry pops in my head instead of continually thinking about and worrying about it! More trusting less worry! Thanks for your devotion today!
Lately I’ve been turning to the Bible more than usually when I’m anxious/ scared. My son, also an Andrew, has always had great fears about things that keep his mind worried daily. Thank you for this great resource, and all of the wonderful devotions I’ve found in Proberbs 31!
Thank you for the blessings of your words!
Fear and anxiety were my mother’s constant companions as her dementia took control of her brain. I searched for scriptures to read to her and help comfort her. Funny thing was, they comforted me too.
The fears of the unknown creep in from time to time, especially now with my Dad being sick. The unknown of whether or not his treatments are working (even though we were told his cancer can’t be cured); what will happen to my mom? Will she move in with my husband, daughter and I? What is in store for her? It’s scary, my Dad has always been my rock growing up. He would always tell me “don’t worry about something you don’t have control of”. I am trying to do that now and it’s so hard. I pray for strength every day, not just for me, but for my parents, my daughter and the rest of the family.
My heart resonates with so many of these thoughts shared by these dear sisters! Single mom, unwanted divorce, wanting to fix things for my children, especially for my son, who has wandered through the wasteland of depression & anxiety
God’s word, reminding me of His faithfulness & sovereignty, has been the anchor. Isaiah 41:10 has been referenced in so many places- God’s whispers to me of His presence. Thanks for this devotional Renee.
My fear and worry is that my son will not remember that he is loved, and will try to take his life. I discuss this with Christ and I keep his promises that he will handle this and all my cares. Like Renee, I want to fix things for my sons.
I usually have issues at night but I have found that listening to praise and worship songs with earbud headphones and my mp3 player calms my mind. 🙂
Fear and worry is definitely a part of my everyday life at the moment. My husband is about to go to trial for a crime he did not commit. I know the situation is in God’s hands and with his strength is how me and my two young kids have gotten this far. The enemy keeps sneaking back into my thoughts with worrysome thoughts.
God has helped me overcome fear a lot more in the past few years. When I begin feeling anxious, I try to begin praying and seeking His help. I often quote the verse, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You” to remind children in my care to give their concerns to God or I even sing a song that goes with that verse.
I have had anxiety disorder all my life. I grew up in a very verbal and physically abusive home. I didn’t know that is what I had until my late 20’s. Then I was a single mom of two boys and each had some challenges on their own so anxiety just was constant. I am now trying to learn to actually deal with it because at times it drives me to depression. I wish I could just deal with a problem and be done with it. I wish the tape wouldn’t play over and over in my head at night when all I want to do is sleep. I throw that ball out to the field and there is a wall and it seems it bounces back. Now my oldest suffers through it also but he has already begun to learn coping techniques. Now his 50 year old mother needs to catch up. Your words and devotions always inspire me.
I am recently divorced (an unwanted divorce). I was terrified to think of being on my own, paying bills, keeping the house up, keeping my car running.
Instead of crashing and burning, I dug deep into God’s Word, doing Bible studies…one right after another. Relying on His truth to get me through each day. I am now 6 months into this thing and blessing pour out daily because I have trusted God’s promises.
Terri
Anxiety has been attacking me violently this past year. I’m looking for all the Godly help I can find.
I know that worry…to an extent…effects my level of joy. Worry and joy can not exist together. Worry robs me of my day to day joy.
my biggest fear and regret was not submitting myself to the lord a lot sooner. Loved your article. Still trying to learn how to do a praying journal, and praying for stronger faith in my FATHER….. Amen
I was just expressing my frustration to my husband as I asked him ” How can I get over my worries and anxieties about money?” He didn’t have any immediate answers for me but you devotion did. I am really hoping to read this book to help me trust and give God control over our finances. I have evidence of how he has taken care of us in the past but I keep falling in to the worry trap. Thank you for the devotion to help get me on the right path.
I am working on “be still” this year because anxiety is a HUGE part of my lie. We have three grandchildren and with each one we have had a crisis before they were two years old. I am a breast cancer survivor, and fear of the return or of cancer’s return can fill up my day. I hang on to God with everything I have — but reminding myself that He is holding me helps a lot more. Thanks for your words today!
Hi, Becky. Thank you very much for sharing with us. I have often wondered if people are concerned (or how much) about the return of cancer. I am sorry you have a fear of it. Praise God you are a breast cancer survivor. 🙂 The reminder that God is holding us so very good! I am reminded of the verses about His strong right hand, and everlasting arms with which He lovingly holds us. Praise Him, and for Jesus Who made this possible for us! God continue to bless you richly!
Worry and anxiety is a part of my life and my 15 year old daughter’s life. Very difficult. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
I was really looking forward to my devotional this morning as I was struggling with worries and frustrations over my workplace yesterday because of things that did not go as I was hoping it to be. Indeed God goes before us and this devotional was very timely. I am now reminded to not be held captive of my thoughts if they do not go with what God wants for me. Amen!
I can’t see that my comment went through so I apologize for doing this twice. I battle with fear and anxiety on a daily basis all my life. Your advice sounds good. I’ll try it. I’m also on anxiety meds that help a little.
I am having such a hard time with worrying these days. I’m in a dark valley and I know that God is with me, carrying me through this; but I still worry. I lift each obstacle and battle up in prayer, but I still worry about it. I trust God to provide for my family and I, but I still worry. I’m praying for more peace, for less worrying. Thank you for this analogy!
Hi, Michelle: I pray you will experience that peace of God abundantly! We must (I am speaking to myself, too) cast our care on Him – not an easy thing to do, but doable because of Jesus and Holy Spirit. God continue to bless you richly!
I am a constant worrier about everything. I have a 14 yr old step daughter that is a worrier as well. This devotion truly helped me with the reminder that we don’t have to worry. If we take all or cares humbly before God, He will supply our peace. I really liked the ball throwing illustration that you gave, I will share this with my daughter. I think that will be something to help her daily as well as myself! I would love to read your devotional book!!! Thank you for this on time post!
Thank you for sharing this personal story with your son. I grew up in a home where emotions/feelings were not discussed. Problems were not solved. Everything was swept under the mat and my parents drank to cope with issues. Today as an adult, a recovering alcoholic, a Mom and a Wife, I feel uneasy/anxious when I get a negative thought. I think Satan knows how to work me over in my mind, plaguing me with thoughts of divorce or other thoughts that are not Godly. I truly struggle with taking every thought captive and ask the Lord and Holy Spirit to invade my head/mind daily. My son was just diagnosed with autism and I think that explains a lot as to why I perseverate on thoughts — I have it too. Thank you for your transparency on these real life issues and thank you for sharing.
Great article on ” you get to decide” what to do with fear and worry. I work as a child therapist and this article very helpful for children and adults alike. Really important for us to distinguish when fears are there to protect us versus a ploy from the enemy to derail us! If we can sit with the uncomfortable feeling, like holding the ball in our hands for a bit, before deciding how to respond, we can chose to align our reponses with God’s word and receive greater peace even in uncomfortable situations. God is bigger than all fear and worry- Amen!
Thank you Tania for your insight. I appreciate your input as a child therapist. I think this is why I don’t like to sit still and feel.
Thank you so much for your insights and encouragement Tania. I so agree that some fears are real and need to be unpacked and addressed. But then there are those that are straight from the enemy to derail us and literally steal the life out of our days. I am so very grateful for the Holy Spirit’s counsel and Christ-centered counseling books that has taught me how to work through knowing the difference. And I so appreciate professional like you who do what you do. Thank you so much!!
Thank you, Tania for sharing this insight. I am in a place right now where I am nervous about a foolish thing I did and not knowing if I caused damage to another vehicle. I really didn’t think I did when it first happened. Now, for some reason, I am wondering and nervous about it. I tend to get myself worked about things at times. Praise God things like this don’t happen very often. God continue to bless you richly!
I would love to win a copy of this devotional and journal! God is speaking to me about this area of my life and it’s amazing how He always provides! Thank you for sharing your gift!
My son and I bough have fear issues. Your book and blog have helped
I have battled worry and fear all of my life. It is a struggle I face everyday. I continually read and study God’s word, and any other Christian resource I can find, on the subjects of fear and worry. I need constant reminders in my battle to overcome the wanderings of my mind. Some days I am successful, other days a failure. Either way, I am thankful I serve a God who has overcome the world!
They impact me every time in my decisions! I overcome fears with God’s help!! Thanks for sharing and hosting!!
Blessings,
Tayrina
Just today I let fear win. We live in a safe, well, so far, safe community. My 12 year old son wanted to go down the road to his favorite fishing spot. I said no, not by yourself. Due to fear and a lot of what if’s. My husband lets him go by himself and says we can’t let fear control us. I think I am being wise to not let him go by himself. But really? I don’t know. Underneath I think it is fear of what could happen.
Renee,
First of all thanks for the neat printable. I need to take those words to heart and not let my worries overwhelm me. Right now my worries steal my joy by consuming my thoughts and taking my attention off of things I would much rather be doing. It also affects those around me as I externalize those worries into
crankiness. If I can throw my worries to the outfield, my day will be less stressful and I will be more at peace as Jesus promised in John 16:33.
Hi, Shirley: Very good observation about worries stealing joy how they affect us externally as well as inwardly. Thank you for sharing. God continue to bless you richly!