When we’re vulnerable
When do you feel most concerned about circumstances? What situations bring uncertainty? When we’re vulnerable, worry and anxiety can settle on us like a heavy mantle of fog.
Image by Karl Egger from Pixabay
If you are a parent, it may occur when a child becomes ill. The “what ifs” attack. “What if I don’t give her the right medicine? What if I miss the diagnosis and this headache is something really serious? My son is late getting home–what if he’s had an accident?“
If you’ve bought a house or gone into debt to start a business or changed careers, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Have I made the right decision?”
What about when you or a family member has a serious, possibly life-threatening illness? Do you feel a loss of control?
When you’re nearing retirement do you question–can I afford to retire? Will I be able to meet my financial obligations?
If you’re an author, it might be when you send off a proposal or a manuscript. The fear of rejection is powerful and sets in to torment us.
Are you in the midst of a family or church conflict and you don’t know how to solve the problem? Should you even get involved?
What makes us vulnerable?
I believe fear is the greatest culprit that leads to us being vulnerable. Then the enemy begins to fuel worry and anxiety as we imagine all the bad things that might happen. The more we fear the “what ifs,” the greater the power of worry has over us. The “fear flame” threatens to ignite and overcome us.
Banishing the fear
How can we banish fear of the “what ifs?”
Call out to God–put our trust in Him.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Believe that God can–and will–take away our fears.
For I am 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)
Pray–our Father wants to bring us peace
In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Coping with the stress of worry
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. (Psalm 55:22)
When we’re vulnerable and worried, is the realization that we are called to give over our concerns to God a hard challenge? Does the directive to put all your faith in God leave you at peace or terrify you beyond comprehension because God’s plan may not be your plan?
Who has the plan?
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans for a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
God’s plan is bigger than mine–or yours. He plans for our eternity. But He is the God of the BIG and the small. He cares for every aspect of our lives.
I don’t have all the answers, but I do know that God can carry us through the trial with His love and care.
- He can calm our fears and ease the worry and anxiety we face.
- But we must give Him our trust–it’s our decision to let go of our fear, worry, and anxiety and give those burdens to our Lord.
I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints. (Psalm 85:8)
Please let me know if I can pray for you. I know the pain the burden of fear can bring.
What a beautiful supply of scripture to draw on in uncertain times. I also think about taking my thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ where my thoughts are contrary to His and that replaces my fears or doubts with His confidence and peace. (2 Cor. 10:%
Thank you, Marilyn, that’s a wonderful scripture to guide us through uncertainty–We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Cor 10:5). If we do that, it takes care of those “what ifs” that bring on worry. Thank you for sharing those reassuring words.
Fear is the enemy of our faith. I think this is why God tells us not to fear so many times. We need this reminder to realize His greatness will overcome any of our emotions. Thanks for sharing these wonderful Scriptures, Katherine!
Thank you, Barbara, for sharing your thoughts and for being such a wonderful model of faith for us. Blessings!
Thank you for this post. It’s very timely for me! I was tossing and turning last night and trying to remember Ps 55:22. (I’m worried about an ill family member.)
I prayed for your family member, Priscilla, and lifted you in prayer, too. May God bring healing for your loved one, and peace for you.
Thank you for this message. I’m thankful we can go to God and share our concerns and our joys. He is always listening. 🙂 When I share time with God, I find peace.
Melissa, you are right! Our Father is always listening for our prayers and our calls for intercession. Thank you for reminding us of His faithfulness.
You have listed several of my favorite Bible verses, Katherine. Thank you for the reminders. What a great way to start the day!
Thank you, Diana. Every day is a blessing and it’s wonderful and comforting to know God is with us in every aspect o our day.
Excellent source of wisdom and reassurance! We’re dealing with post-hurricane issues here in south Texas. Your post was timely. God is good and trustworthy.
Prayers for you, Mary, and all those affected by Beryl. Thank you for the reminder.
The Scripture selections you’ve included are great. Another one that I like to call on when my thoughts cut a stream of worry through my mind is Phil. 4:8.
I love that one, too, Candyce. Thank you for sharing.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. (Phil 4:8)
Thanks Winky for this post. I needed to be reminded of each of the scriptures that you shared. One of my former ministers would tell me, “Martha. Martha don’t worry so much!” He was implying that I was like Martha in the scriptures that was worried because she was doing all the work and her sister Mary wasn’t helping. I am doing better in this field now and try to reflect on these scriptures and do not worry as much. God is my awesome companion and never leaves me alone! Thanks for your weekly blog! I look forward to them each week. Love and prayers to you and your ministries!!!
I’m so grateful for your encouragement, Martha. I’ve also needed prayers and mentoring to help me not to worry so much. I can definitely identify with Martha’s lament and the advice Jesus shared with her. It’s been a long process for me to submit my will and my burdens to our Lord. I’m so, so thankful for His patience, mercy, and grace. Thank you for your prayers.
These are wonderful verses for helping with those anxious thoughts that sometimes overwhelm us! Thank you for your insights about handling anxiety, Katherine!
We are so blessed to have God’s Word through the Scriptures to bring us knowledge, discernment, and peace. I’ve needed much guidance and encouragement through the years to be able to submit my will and my burdens to our Lord. I’m so thankful our loving Savior is always only a prayer away. May God bless you, Kathy, and your service to Him.
I loved your list of verses, very timely. They will help me when I struggle with fears. Thanks Katherine
Thank you, Yvonne. God’s Word equips, encourages, and grants us peace. We are so blessed, aren’t we? Wishing you a joyful week.
These verses are beautiful reminders of God’s love for us. They filled me with peace as I read through them. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, LuAnn. We are so blessed to have God’s Word to bring us peace, comfort, and the assurance of His great love for us. Wishing you sunshine and blessings!