Shelly A. Faust

20 Scriptures to Help You Overcome Fear and Anxiety

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(We are in the middle of our September series, A New Season. Please feel free to go back and review any of our previous posts.)

20 Scriptures to help you overcome fear and anxiety 2

Fear and anxiety seem to be two of the most common struggles we face when moving out of an old season and into a new season (or at any other time in our lives). These unwelcome adversaries are robbers of destiny and purpose. They have the potential to paralyze progression and lock us into a place of suffocating panic, worry, and defeat.

I have struggled with fear my whole life. As a child, I buried my body under a pile of blankets at bedtime because I was certain whatever was lurking under my bed or in my closet was waiting for the perfect opportunity to get me. In Middle School I stood in front of my eighth grade speech class in full-blown panic mode more than once. In my 20s and 30s, I sat in bed many nights with the crushing weight of anxiety on my chest certain I was having a heart attack. As a young wife, I was consumed with anxious thoughts of my husband being in an accident if he was late coming home from work. As a mother of teenagers, those same anxious thoughts would reemerge if my newly licensed kids didn’t immediately answer or return my phone call. I shared last Friday how I put off getting my passport for YEARS because I was afraid of what God would ask me to do next. Sadly, I could go on and on with this list. Can anyone else relate?

Fear and anxiety are no joke. They can sit us down on the bench or take us out of the game completely.

BUT.

When we arm ourselves with the Word of God, we can rest confidently and securely in His power and strength, even when ours fails.

When we park our minds and hearts on His life-giving truth, our thoughts transform from fear-filled to faith-full.
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We don’t have to be afraid. We don’t have to live with anxiety and wrestle with anxious thoughts. We can walk in boldness and sleep in peace. We can speak, write, sing, go and do whatever task or assignment is before us. We can live without fear or dread of tomorrow.

Here are twenty of my favorite scriptures for overcoming fear and anxiety:

  1. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
    2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJ)
  2. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NKJ)
  3. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NKJ)
  4. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)
  5. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (NASB)
  6. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
  7. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one. The Lord protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid.” Psalm 27:1 (GNT)
  8. “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)
  9. “God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (AMP)
  10. “When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You.” Psalm 56:3 (AMP)
  11. “Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 3:22 (NIV)
  12. “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)
  13. “The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” Psalm 27:1 (NLT)
  14. “Even when I walk through the darkest valley,I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (NLT)
  15. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1b (NKJ)
  16. “Whenever I am anxious and worried, you comfort me and make me glad.” Psalm 94:19 (GNT)
  17. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 (ESV)
  18. “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Psalm 34:7 (NIV)
  19. “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.” Psalm 91:4-7 (NLT)
  20. “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38 (NLT)

There are many more scriptures that address these struggles and any others you might be facing. This is certainly not meant to be an all-inclusive list. Hopefully, though, it is enough to get you excited about the Word of God and make you want to open your Bible for yourself. :)

Let’s chat:

  • Have you ever struggled with fear?
  • What one scripture can you hold onto today that will help you move forward in confidence, boldness, and peace?

Let’s pray:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving us and caring for us. Your Word says that we can have peace – not as the world gives – but as only You can give. Your Word also says that we don’t have to be afraid. We can give you our anxieties and cares and trust that You are in control of all things. But sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes it feels overwhelming and scary. Help us. Empower us as we arm ourselves with the truth of Your Word. Increase our desire and hunger to know You more. Make us brave and courageous to do what You’ve called us to do and go where You’ve called us to go. Let our lives be a testimony of Your goodness, grace, love, and power. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

I Never Needed a Passport Until I Got One

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Joshua 1-9

We’ve been talking about the different seasons we walk through in our lives, physically and spiritually. We’ve also discussed the importance of hearing and recognizing God’s voice. And two Fridays ago, I shared a personal story about some consequences of obedience and disobedience in my life.

Today, I want to sit down on the couch and share another story with you in hopes that your heart will find courage to do the thing God is asking you to do.

When we hear God speak with words of instruction, we get to choose how we respond.

When we delay obedience, we walk in disobedience. God may be trying to move us into our next season but unless we trust and surrender we will not enter. He will not force us to obey or make us do what He has called us to do.

About ten years ago I received a prophetic word from a prophet (who has also been one of my spiritual mentors) at a conference. He said I was going to travel all over the world and one day I would have a passport full of stamps. The hidden desire to cross the oceans leaped within me.

And then reality interrupted with doubt and fear.

  • I didn’t even have a passport.
  • Not only had I not traveled outside of the country, I could count on one hand the number of times I had been on an airplane.
  • Going overseas seemed scary and impossible.

You can probably guess I did not get my passport.

About a year later, this same prophet spoke over me at a different conference. His words were short and precise: Get your passport.

Over the next couple of years I did make an effort to pick up an application (or three) from the post office but again, doubt and fear won. It’s amazing how much dust a packet of paper can accumulate.

The same words were spoken over me once more.

Three times I received what I believe was divine instruction to get my passport and three times I did nothing (which, by the way, is disobedience). Coincidentally (or not), I never needed a passport.

But last December guess what I did? I filled out my application, drove to the passport office, smiled for a picture, and finally got my passport.

To say I’m a little stubborn or hard-headed may be an understatement.

Since getting my passport, I have traveled (upon invitation) outside of the country once already and have four (yes, FOUR) other international trips/invitations on my calendar over the next ten months.

In fact, next Thursday, I leave for Canada. It’s my very first time to speak internationally. I could not have accepted this invitation if I had not finally surrendered and stepped out of my comfort zone to get my passport.

When we hear God’s voice, we can choose to heed it and obey or ignore it and disobey.

I heard God’s voice.

  • I received a prophetic word and God confirmed it to me more than once (confirmation).
  • I knew in my spirit (inner knowing) that it was a personal word from Him.
  • It lined up with scriptures and another word He had given me in previous years.

For too long, I chose to listen to doubt and fear and walk in disobedience. I was afraid of what God would ask me to do if I moved forward. I was comfortable doing what was familiar and easy.

As long as I refused to do what God was asking me to do, I could not move into the places He was asking me to go.

I am reminded of Joshua. After Moses died, God told Joshua to “arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving them – the children of Israel” (Joshua 1:2). God was calling Joshua to arise and be established in the place He had planned for him, but he had to do something first: He had to go over.

Unless Joshua crossed over the Jordan, unless he left familiar territory, he could not have walked into his place of destiny.

From Deuteronomy 31:23 to Joshua 1:9 God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, to not be afraid. I don’t know about you, but this makes me think maybe Joshua was a little afraid to do this new thing.

When Joshua made the decision to answer the call, he learned personally that God is a Keeper of His promises. He trusted God with his whole heart and stepped into his destiny.

God is always faithful. If He is telling you to do something, He will not ask you to go alone.

He doesn’t promise it will be easy. He doesn’t promise it will be comfortable.

But He does promise to go with us.

 

Let’s chat:

  • Is there something God has asked you to do that doesn’t make sense or seems a little scary?
  • Is He calling you into a new season? A season of unknowns and unfamiliar territory?
  • Does it line up with scripture? Has it been confirmed?
  • What is holding you back?

Scripture:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

 

Maintaining Friendships Through Life Changes

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Keys to Maintaining Friendships

Before the start of this series, I sent an email to a group of you to pick your brains and get some feedback on topics we would be discussing. One of the most often expressed concerns in the responses I received was the fear of losing friends or not being able to maintain friendships/relationships from one season to the next.

Our hearts ache at the thought of losing a friend. We cringe at the possibility of a relationship ending. Why? Because we were created for community. We weren’t meant to walk this journey alone. We were designed with an inner longing to be known and to be loved. It’s what draws us to Jesus. And it’s what draws us to others.

Friendship is an investment of the deepest parts of us so when we lose a friend, we lose a part of ourselves.

It’s in friendship, in the vulnerable place of knowing and being known, that our souls breathe and our hearts expand. We exhale, let our guards down, and live fully in the company of great friends. We can be our truest selves when our hearts have found a friend that can be trusted.

Friends challenge us and help us become more than we ever thought we could be. True friendship is the place we learn to give and love without condition. It’s where we discover grace and forgiveness and learn the art of cheering each other on. Friendship is a risk worth taking.

But like everything else, friendships have seasons too. Friends come into our lives at different times and for different reasons. As time and circumstances change, the nature of our relationships sometimes change.

It’s unrealistic to think that as we change and as life changes our relationships won’t change too.

We graduate high school. We move off to college. We get married and have children.

We find a new job. We go through a divorce. We become empty-nesters, grandparents, retirees.

Our passions change. Our interests change. Our priorities change.

Our family grows. Our responsibilities grow. We grow.

Some friendships stand the test of time and seasons. They evolve with us. We learn to adjust and shift and celebrate each other’s new places.

But other friendships fade, change, and even disappear over the years. It can feel confusing and hurtful, but just because a friendship changes or you’re no longer as close to or compatible with someone as you used to be doesn’t mean it has to end poorly. There can be a healthy transformation of the relationship as you each transition into your next season or phase of life. This leaves the door open to maintain fellowship, even though it may look a little different than before, and it also keeps alive the potential to reconnect years down the road.

Here are some things I’ve learned over the years about maintaining friendship through life changes:

  • You’ve probably heard the saying, “you have to be a friend to have a friend.” This is so true. Not all friendships are doomed to end. Sometimes we just need to make more of an effort. Do your best to reach out and connect. Schedule face to face time. Be intentional with the sacred spaces of relationship.
  • As you and your friend each go through life changes, give each other grace. Don’t jump to conclusions, don’t assume the worst, and don’t become critical. Refuse to accuse. Forgive quickly. We’re most likely all just doing the best we can.
  • Sometimes you (and your friend) just need time or space. I have many friends I don’t see regularly (because, LIFE, hello!) but when we do reconnect, we pick right back up where we left off.
  • Communicate. Ask questions and be open to answer questions. Be honest with your feelings. Inquire, respond, and resolve conflict and misunderstandings in love.

If you’re in a season where you feel like you don’t have any friends:

  • Reach out to someone. It takes time and effort to build a friendship but it’s worth the effort.
  • Be open to meeting new people, especially those who share some of your same interests. Go to a new writer’s group. Take an art class. Join a community or volunteer group.
  • Invite an old friend to coffee. You might be surprised at how easy it is to reconnect, even if it’s been years.

We were made for community. I am better in community.

 

When You Feel Like You Failed in a Hard Season

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Romans 8-28a

It wasn’t quite noon but the day was already long.

Frustrations, tears, and a ten year old boy who found refuge and solace behind the locked bathroom door. Two words (or maybe one word, still haven’t quite figured that one out): Home. School.

I desperately wanted to be good at leading my classroom. And I wanted to love it.

But I wasn’t, and I didn’t.

Thankfully, God doesn’t love me based on how well I perform or how good I am at home-school (or anything else). I know this.

But sometimes I hear whispers of another kind. I give in to discouragement and disappointment has a way of wrapping itself tight around my heart – you know, the place where courage dwells.

Many days while homeschooling, I felt like a complete failure and wondered if I had made the right decision. It was hard and there was a lot of pushing through. More than once (or a thousand times) I went to bed mentally and emotionally exhausted.

It’s easy to chase lions (and teach boys or whatever else you might be doing) on the happy, feel-good, everything-is-going-just-right days, but our hearts need a little convincing when we fall short or find ourselves floundering.

But just because something is hard doesn’t mean we aren’t doing what we’re supposed to be doing. Some seasons are just. plain. hard.

Remember, just like in transition, if we refuse the process, we forfeit the purpose.

Because sometimes what we see as a failed assignment God sees as an opportunity to build in us the very things we will need for the task before us (or the next one, or the one after that).

Hard seasons can chisel and scrape and remove what doesn’t belong and they can shape and strengthen and build what needs to remain .

When we risk and fail or risk and fall short we can bend low and pick up wisdom. What we gain in one season can be taken into the next. And we are better for it.

And courage isn’t only found in the lion-chaser. Courage is often found in the small and the quiet and the determination to keep going. Courage helps the mama start over tomorrow when she feels like she blew it today. Courage opens our eyes to possibility when defeat and discouragement try to keep them shut. Courage picks us up when we’d rather just give up. Courage gathers wisdom to know when to keep trying and when to move on.

So if you feel like you’ve failed at something (or if you really HAVE failed at something), that’s okay. Because sometimes we do.

But just because you fail, or because the end results do not look like you had hoped, YOU are not a failure.

And just because you fail doesn’t mean you missed God or made a mistake. You could have, sure. Or you could just be preparing for your next assignment.

So keep going.

Or start over.

Or maybe try something new.

(Or go back to public school. Yes, I did.)

Whatever you do, do something. Do it brave. Do it with courage. Do it with audacious faith.

And trust that God is working here too.

Let’s chat:

  • It’s Monday. How are you? :)
  • Are you in a hard season?
  • How can I pray for you?

Scriptures:

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline (2 Timothy 1:7)

 

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