After completing your daily reading, come back to chat with fellow Bible readers about any reflections you have on the proverbs, introduction, or questions from today.
While times of adversity often cause us to fear or doubt God’s power, God’s Word speaks to how we can face those things with strength and trust. This doesn’t mean we’ll always have physical security, but these proverbs teach that our identity and future are secure in Christ.
Reflection Questions:
How do you typically respond to fear or adversity?
Read Proverbs 3:25–26 again. What dangers do you fear most?
When thinking about Proverbs 3:26, how can God be your confidence today?
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145 thoughts on "Adversity, Strength, and Security"
Thank you Jesus
I am a worrier, i know it’s a sin and i’ve battled it my entire life but currently my fears deal with finances since I have been out of a job for almost a month. Thankfully I get some child support, but i know the bills i have will be more than that. I have been trying to trust that God will provide and with every application i fill out I pray God will place me where he wants but it’s getting difficult. I am trying to put my trust and confidence in Him so I can find the best thing for me and my kids
Good morning, it’s difficult to navigate when you have children counting on you. I have been there. My children are grown now. Just wanted to say turn the worrier into warrior because you are His child and He’s taking care of you and your family. It will work out. I’m living proof of that. God bless you and your children!
“Our identity and future are secure in Christ”
I am starting this study weeks after I started, not sure why, but the Lord knows what we need. Today, the majority of Americans are waking up with a heavy heart after one of our brother in Christ was assassinated yesterday. Today’s scriptures are so appropriate. And so fitting to how we’re feeling and what we need, because our human nature is to be anxious and let fear take over, when a situation like that happens. But God is our strength and security during adversity. Our protected place when fear threatens to overcome us. Thank you father for giving us the sustaining daily bread that we need, every single day. These words are like a soothing balm on a broken heart today, God. Father we pray for Charlie Kirk’s family and friends; give them strength and comfort as they navigate this new reality for them. Protect all Christians around the country from persecution and violence. We pray this in your most holy name, Lord. Amen.
Well said. Amen
Amen
It comes down to trusting God. Easier said than done. I have to remind myself daily that I WILL trust.
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Amen ❤️
I am definitely a nervous Nelly, but in reading and studying Proverbs, I am feeling more at peace. Trusting and not leaning on my own understanding. Surrounding myself with believers and living Faithfully daily.
Adversity is common to us all but as we depend on the help of the Holy Spirit, we are guided through life’s trials with victory and fruitfulness. I believe there is purpose in every situation and ultimately we are being formed, fashioned, and molded into the image of Jesus.
Reflection Questions:
1. I used to typically respond to adversity in my emotions but I have since grown through trial/error and recognized that there is a better way. The Lord helps me stay calm and not be led by rashness and error. I try to see what is God saying in this particular situation. What is God trying to convey to me. As stated earlier, I believe there is purpose in every situation- good and bad. I run to God, he is my true source or comfort and guidance. He promised to help me. As the Word says, I am not some. He will never leave me nor forsake me, even if it may feel as though he is silent. Adversity, I have learned to call “ My friend”. CRAZY huh! Yes but I have seen the way it has drew me to the arms of Jesus and has brought us closer in intimacy. That’s why the scripture says we are secure…. Christ is our strong tower- we are drawn to him,guided by him, and brought closer to Him through our adversity.
2. Fear, honestly is something that, when it tries to rule me, I use the weapons that God has given me to walk confidently in the Lord, reminding myself of who is really in charge. When I think of things that keep me on my knees, I think of not being able to provide for my kids, or suddenly losing my health to sickness. I don’t want to find myself OUTSIDE of the will of God. That is a scary place to be!! I don’t want to disobey God… when I do disobey Him, I try and repent and ask Him to show me His mercy. I want to be spiritually alert when he is trying to show me something- I don’t want to miss God in any way. I may miss a crucial step in my destiny- that I don’t want. These are somethings I may worry about. When thinking about Proverbs 3:26, God can be my confidence in many ways…
– revealing his purpose to me
– through prayer & intercession, I gain strength and confidence
– by the comfort of the Holy Ghost. Gods rod and his staff they comfort me in any situation.
-I also gain confidence by reciting Gods promises and putting them to practice
– I find confidence in God by relying on my helper – the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me into all truth. These are some ways, that God, His Holy words, help and strength are making me confident. My confidence is in Him, comes from Him, and is sustained by Him.
When thinking about Proverbs 3:26, how can God be your confidence today?
I instantly thought of Job after Satan’s second test. His wife ask why he doesn’t just go ahead and curse God. Job’s response reflects that we shouldn’t always just accept the good but also the adversity as well. As I think about my own response, in times of adversity I tend to retreat and distance myself from those around me. It’s almost like I try to hide the fact that anything is going on, even God who already knows.
As far as dangers that I fear the most, death would top the list. I have always had a fear of dying from as young as I can remember. As the kids and I were talking recently after telling them of our aunt’s passing, the fear isn’t for lack of the hope in restoration when the judgment day comes. The fear is earthly based because I don’t want to miss out on seeing my kids grow up and have their own families, as well as the fear of not making my mark on the world in a way that I feel like I have accomplished something. It’s knowing that there is hope in restoration on the judgment day because of God’s redemptive love that brings peace in knowing it’s going to be ok. Course my youngest would say “mom go find that tree of life!”
Well said! ❤️
Hi Mindy, my name is Nati and I’ve been struggling with this fear as well! I’m 18 years old and I attend Florida State university sometimes I get nervous of violence that may occur and of course the thought of death. I’ also get nervous of the uncertainty of the future and not achieving all that I need to but like you said, it’s important to trust in lords plan for us because he already knows. We’ll be ok!
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Proverbs 1:33 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster. Anxiety at time definitely gets the better of me. Dealing with some unknowns at work has humbled me to remember how good of a life God has given me. I’m finding new appreciation for my job while also remembering it’s just a job and family will always come first. Whatever be God’s will.
At times, I can get anxious and worry over what puts me into fear, but I am learning that I need to go to Jesus and lay all of this at his feet.
Unfortunately, I think we think about what WE can do to fix or circumvent the things we are fearful about, rather than letting God take care of us and the situation. And I’ve heard it said many times that the things we worry about never come to pass. Good to remember.
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I have learned to respond to fear, anxiety, adversity by turning to the LORD. Put on head phones and play the Bible app to help me fall asleep. Put head phones on lock myself in my room and praise for hours. Sit and pray when I wake up at 2 am ‘till the sun comes up. Refocus your thought in the LORD!!
Great comments today, ladies. Thank you for sharing your hearts.
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May the Lord bless each of you with His peace and presence
Missed you! All okay? ❤
I feel that as I have gotten older, my first response is to fear or adversity is pray, but it certainly wasn’t always that way. Its come from years of abiding in God’s presence, reading the Word and seeking to know Him. And, I don’t always get that response right either. I still get, i have fears, I get anxious, I worry, I fret and I get scared. PTSD is not easy to manage, but God is right there. As I shared yesterday how interwoven my physical, mental and spiritual were during my illness, much of that time, my hope and confidence remained steadfast even though my thoughts/head were a mess. I can see how my intentionality with Jesus, and knowing Him (even though that is ongoing, and I have SO much to learn)fostered my ability to hold onto Him in the depths of such crisis when absolutly nothing made sense. Health issues returning to that level of crisis certainly is my greatest fear. Second to that would be my husband, daughters, son inlaw or now grandson suffering illness or being victims of anything evil or tragic.
One of the things that I have really tried to understand more the last few years is the Sovereignty of God. He is in control of all things. He knows all things. He determines all of our days. Keeping that in mind, helps keep my heart and head focused on His peace and confidence in knowing He is always near. I don’t do so well at all with scripture memory and its often parts and pieces that I recall but Isaiah 26:3 comes to mind often, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Repeating scripture over and over again, silences the fears. Another regular go to is Psalm 91 and in addition to reading it, I listen on audio abd just let it seep in to my heart and mind.
Lord, thank you that you are our confidence. That our hope is in you and we can leave all of our fears and anxieties at your feet and we can trust in you Lord. Thank you Father for your Word where we can be reminded of the absolute Truth of who you are and read of your faithfulness and goodness. Thank you that you are our peace, hope and that you are our stronghold and confidence. Draw our hearts near to you Lord and let us rest in shadow of your wing. We want you to be our first response not our last resort as we cling to you in all things. We praise you Lord and we love you. Amen
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Fear is a very powerful emotion. When I was little, I was not fearful at all. But as I grow older, the opposition gets stronger. I learn to lean on God for help. The Lord has given me several opportunities to confront my fears, the biggest one being the fear of man, by facing bullies, narcissistic characters, the charming ones but corrupted, in different circumstances, and He has given me the peace and strength to go on. The prolonged battle almost broke me, but God has slowly pulled out each fear and its deep root through spiritual surgeries. Had I not paid attention to these micro changes, I would have not known how far God had changed me. I learn to notice the small victories that snowball into a large compound breakthrough, a wave of glory that demolishes the stronghold of fear. He is turning me back to the little girl who was once fearless. From glory to glory He is changing us, changing us. A lovely song played in my mind. I used to be a worry wart, inherited from a family member. Journey with God includes walking through the dark valleys of shadows of death. Go on and walk. Courage is forged here. Not by avoiding the shadows but to walk THROUGH with God. In your mind, you must envision the Great One walking next to you at all time, holding the Sword of the Spirit. Fear can cost us our glorious future. There is such sweet freedom in surrendering to Him. What freedom when He removes the heavy yoke of fear and worries. As the signs of end times mentioned in Revelation approach, the birth pains increasing, the Lord is close to His returning, the race we run are drawing close. We need to be prepared. Build on the confidence knowing God is with us and He will train us if we allow Him. Don’t avoid the process. I won’t forget how God uses the images of soldier, the athlete, and the farmer metaphor to encourage His children to finish the race. All of them are so hard working, extremely resilient, persistent, faithful toward the harvest. These people aren’t born like this. They have to go through training, basic training I might add. Soldiers overcome the fear of death in battles, fear of facing the enemies, injuries, fear of never seeing their families again, obeying the commander officer risking that it can be a mistake move. Athletes overcome the fear of public humiliation, fear of injuries and the pain of constant practice and discipline. Farmers have to overcome the hardship of the harsh labor, uncertainties of weather and failed crops, potential wasted hard work, to trust in the One who will provide rain. How about us? What areas of fear do we identify today and determine to overcome following these combined examples? May we learn from the soldiers, the athletes and the farmers in our lives. I am thankful that my dad was a farmer at heart and he taught me so much about hard work and being content with little things. Don’t embrace the easy Christian lifestyle, that is the false gospel. Fight and pray like a soldier. Train and be disciplined in the Word like an athlete. Work hard towards the kingdom harvest and be patient like a farmer. Be blessed dear sisters.
Amen Mercy! It is time to rise and be Warrior Christians! We are being attacked and time is short!! I was just going to post on FB page about this, and you are saying it so well my friend!! We cannot be laxidasical Christians anymore, we need to be Christ-Followers, obeying, and telling everyone, praying for everyone and against this Spiritual warfare that is more obvious than ever! We have got to open our eyes. We need boldness. No fear. We have the armor we need for our Lord!
(Sorry I’m fired up after another attack today.) We need to be back on our knees.
I’m fired up to. These attacks have to stop
❤ Well said, Mercy!
I typically respond to adversity or fear with worry or prayer. I want to respond with prayer more often.
The dangers I fear most is something bad happening to my husband or girls and me getting cancer.
God can be my confidence today because I can choose to rely on him to be my peace and protection.
Leaning on the Lord extra! Going on almost a week of an upper respiratory infection, but the fatigue is taking me out. I have my nanny kiddos solo starting this afternoon until Friday afternoon. Give me strength Lord!
Praying that you and Mari are feeling better very soon!
Lord, heal Susan today! In Jesus name!!
Praying the fatigue disappears soon, Susan! Hugs! ❤
1) How do you typically respond to fear or adversity?
Now that I am older and more experienced in this area, I typically have an emotional reaction, but then turn to God in prayer, lean on Scripture that has helped me in the past, ask a friend or 2 or more to join me in prayer. Just knowing someone us praying really does make the burden lighter. I think every SHE here can attest to that- at least those of us who have a little age on us. My go-to verse is Psalm 16:8-
I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
Another verse came to mind as I read:
Habakkuk 3:19
The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights
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2) What dangers do you fear most? This question came up in Sunday School recently! Most answered fear of something threatening their children, but we all know God is sovereign and we trust His good and perfect plan.
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3) How can God be my confidence today?
By remembering His faithful live and care and knowing that He walk with me through any trial. Nothing is a surprise to Him!
Hebrews 12-
1b …let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees…
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Remember this:
FEAR is a LIAR
Great song for today! [chorus]
Fear he is a liar
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
Cause fear he is a liar
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An older song first came to mind today. STRONG TOWER by Kutless (one of my sons loved this song!):
You are my strong tower, shelter over me
Beautiful and mighty, everlasting King
You are my strong tower, fortress when I’m weak
Your name is true and holy, and Your face is all I see
In the middle of my darkness, in the midst of all my fear
You’re my refuge and my hope
When the storm of life is raging and the thunders all I hear
You speak softly to my soul
Now, I’m running to Your mountain
Where Your mercy sets me free
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Also reminded of Psalm 91 today!
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Thank you CeeGee, I answered the same way on question 1 and I prayed Psalm 91 throughout Covid! Those beautiful words helped keep me strong and faithful.
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Yes, Strong Tower by kutless! Someone asked what that song was, and knew you would know!!
Excellent wisdom!
And yes, seems easier now, that we have SOME wisdom! ;)
Awww…
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What wonderful answers and song suggestion for the occasion! Thank you CEE GEE!
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Strong Tower used to be my ringtone on my phone, once upon a time!
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Prayer just prayer
When fear rises or adversity presses in, we can choose to respond not with panic or striving, but with faith. God is our confidence. He is the firm ground beneath our feet. And though our circumstances may shake, our Savior never does.
Lord, thank You that You are my confidence and strength when I face adversity. When fear rises in me, remind me that my future and my identity are secure in Christ. Help me not to lean on my own strength, but to trust fully in Yours. Teach me to walk with steady steps, knowing You hold me firm.
and everyone said AMEN!
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Amen!
Reminded me of He Will Hold Me Fast by the Gettys
Oh I forgot what I fear the most. Anything medical. I’ve seen too much.
I’ve had a lot of adversity. I was 27 or 28 when Tanner was diagnosed. There were only 2,000 cases in the world. I had to grow up quick. My sons illness taught me many things. For one I was not in control. At 30 I left my husband because of his drinking. I was self employed and if I didn’t work i didn’t get paid. Thankfully my mom was a big help with Tanner. At 43 my father died in a house fire. My nephew drank himself to death by age 30. All in all these situations have made me trust in God. I had no where else to turn. God is so good. I feel loved and know He will carry me through whatever is thrown my way.
Yep, unfortunately it is when we are at the bottom and can’t do anything about everything around us- that we CHOOSE GOD to turn to, or we turn to band-aids to help us that never help long term. Oh how clear it is when we are older and can look back. That’s why I love jail ministry, they are in the pit, and need to choose what they are going to do moving forward- choose God or the same stuff.
Your strength during your greatest struggle has touched us all!! When we go through our grief we remember your testimony.
I knew about Tanner but not the other tragedies. Wow! Your testimony shines brightly Traci!
You’re one of the strongest women. Thank you for sharing!
In response to todays questions, what I fear the most is something happening to my children, or something happening to me that makes it so I can’t be there to care for my children. Fortunately this fear does not continually weigh on my heart all hours of the day, but when I take a step back to think about what I fear most that is what comes to mind – anything that gets in the way of them living full, happy, healthy life (and one where they hopefully choose to follow after God when they are old enough to do so)
The verse that most stood out to me today is Proverbs 18:10-11, I like the ESV wording today, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination” – it leads me to ask myself the question, what am I depending on for protection/security in case of hard times. Is it my savings account? my job? my friends/family? – At the end of the day anything else we depend on may seem like a good plan B if things aren’t going well, however as this verse implies its only in our imagination that any of these things will really protect us. Ultimately though only God will never fail us. (There is a worship song that I can’t think of right now that talks about God being a strong tower. I’m sure one of you ladies – maybe Cee Gee who often brings a song to the comments, can recall it)
One of my favorite passages that has provided strength and a sense of security for me in times of adversity is Pslam 46 that starts (v1-3) “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” and ends (v 10-11) “ Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress”
(heart!) Love! And great verses!! I know the song, but can’t think of it!! Right now playing is “I Know a Name” which is perfect, b/c we KNOW the NAME for any and all situations in this life!!
LAUREN G- I am just catching up to read comments and saw this! I love it if the song you are thinking of is the one I shared by Kutless! One of my sons had that cd and I heard that song a lot. {Smile} ❤
Great reflection and Scripture! Your opening thought reflects what we talked about in Sunday School concerning fear. ❤
Thanks for sharing that song. I also found the song “your name” that i like. It includes the chorus:
“Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder
‘Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your Name”
Yes, I love that song too if its the new right now, I don’t know the guy that sings it.
❤ Thanks, Lauren! I have not heard that song before so I just listened to it. Beautiful!
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RHONDA J – I listened to one by Paul Baloche (12 years ago) and one by Phillips, Craig, & Dean (15 years ago!).
I would like to say that I always pray and trust God when faced with fear and adversity but not every time! When I do, it always go so much better!
I think sudden terror would catch me off guard but I don’t fear what might happen. I try to trust God to handle the wicked.
I ask God to guide me daily and pray and surrender my day to Him. This helps me to feel secure in Him!
I will look to scriptures that deal with what I am struggling against.
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How do you typically respond to fear or adversity?
I’m an ostrich who typically wants to put my head in the sand, but for other people I’m all for standing up for yourself.
Read Proverbs 3:25–26 again. What dangers do you fear most? Doing things wrong at work, in public, in front of anyone I guess. I want to be a perfectionist unfortunately
When thinking about Proverbs 3:26, how can God be your confidence today? Staying on His path of goodness and righteousness. Understanding that He does not require perfection. He asks us to do the work, put in the time, and hold fast to His love.
During one of the lowest periods of my life, the Holy Spirit whispered, “Trust in the Lord with all your might, lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6) I repeated that mantra over and over and over during the weeks after my sister’s passing.
Whenever I am faced with a difficult situation, the same mantra still my heart and gives me confidence that God is with me; God is in control.
I am really resonating and taking Proverbs 18:10 and 1:33 with me. My husband just started a new job today, which will help his career and his mental health, it will take our already struggling financial situation and make it a little bit worse. I am continually praying for God to show us the way, and keep us safe and on the right path.
Prayers for you and your husband, and financial provision.
Praying sister.
I am getting better at being honest with myself, others and the Lord about how I am feeling during hard times. When our garage burned down in December with our cars and many precious things inside, I was able to grieve and lament the losses and our community was so kind to surround us with support. My tendency is to be private with big feelings…but then the Lord is not able to minister to my heart through others. It was also important to remind myself of truth during that time, so I would often just repeat over and over “God is good and He does good.” Months later, I can say with confidence that God was so faithful, even tho’ it still hurt like crazy.
I have never been a particularly fearful or anxious person. I didn’t get married until I was nearly 46, and then all of a sudden I found myself feeling overwhelmed with the fear of losing my husband. This has been something I continually have to surrender to the Lord. With this fear and all other “what ifs” that can wreck my peace, the anecdote is remembering the faithfulness of God. He is faithful to meet me in my real life and my real pain, but not in my imagination. So when my thoughts begin to swirl, I am learning to take them captive to the obedience of Christ and surrender the fear and anxiety to Him.
It is hard when disasters come! I can’t remember who it was here that her whole house burnt down. We had the big hurricane that opens our eyes of how quickly things can change and loss of everything can happen. I remember an elementary teacher saying once if there’s a fire grab the pictures! With the hurricane my box of my son’s school pictures and Momentous, that I had narrowed down to that one precious box, got ruined. I think I remember you lost things like that. Thanks for sharing.
My family home burned down. But was there someone else?
yes, MARIA BAER. I haven’t seen her in a few months at least.
MARIA – are you still studying with us?
Bravo SEARCHING for the perfect memory. Yes that was her who went through that. Also Traci.
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How do I respond to fear or adversity? Hmm…I would like to say that I face it head on with confidence! Through these past eight years, I have faced many fears, and adversity and lots of anxiety, however, it gave me opportunity to trust my Jesus! Really TRUST my Jesus! I didn’t understand the why and when will this be over, BUT, I know my Jesus was with me, I just know it! Now when fear and adversity come my way, I recall His faithfulness, take a deep breath, say to myself (and sometimes out loud), “Jesus you have me” While we live in this fallen world, fear and adversity will be a part of our lives, BUT we She’s have JESUS! And we can trust Him, even when it’s hard and we can’t see the outcome, yet. Second question, What dangers do I fear most? I feel as a fellow She, mom, sister, daughter, especially as a mom, I fear something happening to my children. I said it here before, JESUS is my first love, my one and only! Then it’s my children, the loves of my life! If something happens to them it would hurt SO much. My mom, even thought we aren’t besties, she says the same of me and my siblings. I feel its very much a “mom” thing to feel that towards our children. As I’ve mentioned my now adult children and I are VERY close! I’m SO blessed my Father God blessed me with them! Lastly Proverbs 3:26, say it and ends it well, the Lord is my confidence, I trust Him. And though I don’t want to face hard times and or anything happening to my children as I’m sure most here can relate, my confidence is in my Jesus. Thank you for praying for my health. I chuckled when I went to get cough drops from the office and my supervisor said, oh,oh…. and proceeded to say, “I need you to make it to Friday” (LOL emoji) Yep, sickness has not only effected me, but lots of staff members! All that to say, I went to bed early, woke up with a headache, but took the appropriate med and fluids, took my time getting ready for work, and here I am feeling better.
Yes, trouble and sickness are a part of this fallen world. We must remember that. And walking with Jesus is even harder…because we need to look to him, and glorify Him through it all!!
By recalling and remembering his faithfulness–yes, so important!! Making a jar of remembrance stones or journal of praises is a great practice. (we forget quickly like the Israelites!)
I too have a fear of something happening to my one and only son. I have to constantly remember he is borrowed to me. And then of course all the thoughts of salvation ifs and buts come into play. GIVE it TO GOD!!!
Praying you feel 100 percent today friend!!
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GM She’s,
(from this very chilly morning!)
I wish I would have kept the Lord my strong tower early on! Growing up in church, and keeping him my foundation and who I trusted was instrumental. But then, I became ensnared by the world, and quickly became all about myself, material things, and being liked. By the end of my 20’s I was a mess, and far from God. Luckily, when the bottom fell out and I could do nothing, my strong foundation was there. It was going back to church, getting in small groups, and surrounding myself with Christian friends that was imperative. Then getting in the word daily, putting the word in my mind and heart…this starts every day off pointing to him, and going to sleep the same way.
I also realize that the world is full of troubles and evil, and people worse off than me. When I fall into woe is me or overthinking- I turn to praise and worship.
The first verse I memorized was Isaiah 55:22 “Cast your cares (anxiety) on the Lord and He will sustain you, He will not let the righteous be shaken.
The Beatitudes are good to remember as well Matt 5:3-11
Also Romans 12:2 (lets see if I can come close) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and by testing….of God…what is good, and acceptable and perfect. (close)
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One of my weekly fears is fear of failure. I’m a student athlete who is constantly trying to balance school and basketball. It’s always been a struggle but I know that god is in control of my life and I have nothing to fear. If I do “fail” a subject or have a bad game, it’s not the end of the world and I always try to remind myself that.
I think it says a lot that you continue forward even though you fear failure. So many people are paralyzed by it, and I love that instead, you hold tight to the peace that God’s got it. ❤️
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I’ve never left a comment on one of these devotions but I’ve also never felt so seen as I have today. Thank you to SRT for the beautiful lessons in Proverbs that have stirred something lovely back in me.
I am a nurse, specifically in pediatrics critical care. I see so much death and tragedy to so many people who call on God’s name. So many children who never had the chance to know Him, have passed away while I’ve held their crying mothers. I am really exceptionally good at holding my own tears until the car ride home. Somewhere along the way, I lost a lot of my child-like faith. It didn’t happen overnight, it was slowly torn away by what I chose to focus on. I struggle daily with severe anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. I had these prior to my job but as the years go on it is more taxing to keep in check. Somehow my immediate turn towards God in all things, changed to turning inward to find protection or hope. For years, I simply forgot how peaceful it is to know God carries me wherever I go. Instead, I was scared to rely on anyone but myself. I memorized protocols, set a rigid routine for my life, and I have anxiety attacks when I start to lose just an edge of the white-knuckled grip I have on any situation. I have become someone I don’t recognize, which is why I am ever so thankful for this devotional. It’s brought me back to reality. I feel very akin to the little character “anxiety” in the movie Inside Out 2.
1. My typical response to fear is to look for any way I can regain control. After years of intense scenarios, I do not/cannot panic outwardly. The storm is internal. Similarly, my response to adversity is simply to get tough, for lack of better words.
2. This question is almost comical. I unfortunately could find fear in everything. I see the worst case scenarios every single day. I mostly fear being alone.
3. There is so much redemption in this question for me. I remember God is in control, whether I want Him to be or not (I should always want Him to be, I know, but I haven’t gotten there yet). Remembering God is in control also reminds me of the goodness of the Lord and His perfect love for me, I mean what better person to be in control? I can love securely through Him and RUN (I love that imagery) to His protection (prov 18:10). I am continually humbled in these devotions by how much I’ve relied on my broken self. I am joyful to remember that I was never alone.
Thank you Sam E! What a hard, taxing job you have, I just can’t imagine how hard it is to see children suffering and their families. It seems so cruel that they should have to go through it. I follow a lady on fb and her journey with her child with leukemia. The twin lost her life as a baby. But this mom constantly gives updates and always says her trust and faith is in the Lord. She literally is proclaiming his name throughout these hard years, it is astounding! I know God has you there to do the same. He can continue to use you, as you care for these families and show his love and care. And point them to Him, and his good and perfect plan for those who love him.
Fellow peds nurse here. I resonate so much with what you have shared. Thank you for your raw vulnerability and honesty. I pray that as you get a front row seat to the brokenness of this fallen world you will be able to fall into the arms of your good and Sovereign God who holds all and who also weeps with you…and who one day will make all things right.
I didn’t know you are a pediatric nurse, what an amazing, but hard, hard job you both have! I always envisioned a job like that but was NOT good in school! lol. But I love helping people, so God made a way for me to be a fitness trainer, later working with people with physical disabilities and chronic pain and geriatrics. It is fulfilling but also can make you dislike people, lol.
Technically, I worked in peds for 25 years (once a peds nurse, always a peds nurse ;))…now I teach nursing at a university.
Sam E I was one of those moms. I can say from experience how much you help these moms. XO
Dear Sam E, so sweet of you to take the time to share your testimony. I pray that your running to God’s word when things are difficult stamps out any fear or anxiety. I pray your testimony blesses others who may be struggling.
Sam E – I could never do what you do! It takes strength and courage to walk alongside such heartbreak. I’m praying for the Lord to renew your mind. There is a reason you posted today – keep sharing so we can continue to stand in prayer for you.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Sam! You have my utmost respect for your contribution to medical care.Your reflections are a blessing to many SHES! ❤
Wow trauma can be a stronghold of fear and anxiety, especially workplace trauma where things get repeated, in your case almost daily. Hugs to you Sam and thank you for sharing. There is special grace for those who are called to work in medical fields and first responders I find. You are so strong. Praying for healing from deep within.
Oh, SAM E. on behalf of the body of Christ, may I say thank you for being Jesus’ to vehicle of mercy, grace, and comfort to those mamas and daddies in their loss. May the Lord bring you the restoration of mi d and heart you seek from Him.
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Shared this one with my 5 and 3 year old this morning and talked about how God can be our confidence when we face things we are afraid of!
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This is a tough one but fear of something for me is the safety of my family. I find comfort in looking to cling to the Lord through all those scary what if situations!
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I’m wondering if I can’t see all the comments. Usually Tina is one of the first I see and I haven’t seen any of her posts.
I have struggled with fear and anxiety at different times in my life. I am learning to pay attention to my thoughts, and when I am being “choked” by worry or “what ifs”, I am trying to catch myself in the spiraling and look to God. If I can, I like to sit and take some calming breaths, and hand my worries to God. I loved the podcast guest who talked about using Proverbs 3:4-5 as a breath prayer. Trust in, Lean not, In All, He will.
I think anxiety is ingrained more in women than in men. My husband calls it overthinking. It’s hard to give this over to God,but when I do God always eases my anxiety.
Since Tina is retired now she may be trying to figure out a new schedule.
True!
I love this too! Trust in, Lean not, In all. I’m using it today! Thanks for posting it. I was trying to remember how it went.
I am holding onto Proverbs 1:33 today: “but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” Experiencing some impending “disaster” right now and working hard to remain peaceful and trusting and looking to my strong tower, Christ Jesus.
Oh, to know that ease! I have such a long way to go to get to that point! I have really been struggling lately with anxiety and panic attacks. My main trigger is learning to deal with the new technology I must use for a German class I am taking at the local community college. It’s far more of a challenge to me than the language. Plus, I am living alone for the first time since I married in 1990. I’m struggling with all this far more than I imagined. Please keep me in your prayers, SHEs. I’m clinging to Jesus, but I need some love ”with skin on.” I have jotted down all of the verses you all have shared to meditate on later. Thank you.
Praying for you to take one day at a time. Do what you can do and trust God for the rest. I pray you will know that God is your portion and He holds your future. Psalm 16. He is already there. I pray you experience His ease.
I typically respond to fear by having anxiety and have to tell myself, it’s okay, and work through some breathing exercises. Usually, I talk to God about it too. I struggle with all kinds of anxiety, social and the unknown. I’m learning how to deal with it and working on not taking as much meds, however, some days are harder than others. Growing up in a family where I learned my feelings didn’t matter, I became a people pleaser and I shut down often. Over the last 5 years, I have really been working on this.
Your first sentence is me too April!
I often think of women (who have their children with them) in third world countries who have zero protection around them. How do they grasp onto v.25 when they are scared for themselves and their little ones. I have faith that He is with them, and when they call out He responds. We cannot always understand His response, but we know that He promises to be with them. So when I wonder what it will look like when this world is at its end and I might be present for that, I hope and pray that I can intertwine my fingers tightly around v.26.
I was just thinking the same thing as there was a school shooting at a Catholic school in MPLS today. I don’t understand but believe that God is in control.
Our Father in heaven is such a great God! Turn to His Word for every situation in life. Prayer is our greatest weapon. God disciplines those He loves and for our good.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…. John 3:16
BG verse Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
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I need to commit more verses to memory so that I can remember the truth of them in stressful and fearful times.
Psalm 23 ❤️
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No Fear, Jon Reddick (written by Matthew Joseph West, Jeffrey Thomas Pardo, Jon Reddick)
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Prov 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.
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SANDI – praying for your husband’s busy time, that he will be well rested each day
DEBBIE HINSON – Welcome! Sometimes I have to close out the comments and try again a couple of times.
KARI JAE – ‘trust and obey’ – Amen.
CEE GEE – “peaceful co-existence with God even though this world does not offer peace” – Amen. Loved your memories of your mom’s faithfulness ❤️
ADRIENNE – amen
MERCY ❤️
TINA ❤️
Thankyou,searching for your prayers.
Searching “No Fear” is one of my favorites right now.
Praying for all
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Thanks for sharing Isaiah 26:3- one of my favorites and perfectly timed!
No Fear is one of those steering wheel slapping songs for me! I confess to running short of breath by the time I finish the last section because I have to sing both parts! Lol ❤
I love that Isaiah verse. It is my mental peace verse. Thank you for quoting it ❤️.
Amen❤️
Lord, be my Confidence today and always! When things are hard, when fear and terror strike, let me run to you and lean into you for strength and peace. Amen!
Amen!
Listen and trust in God’s word. I run to Christ when anxiety comes knocking. God is my refuge. Good morning ,ladies. I have a prayer request…my husband’s busy time at work is upon us…from now until December. He has long days…pray for strength and endurance and for him to be a testimony. Thankyou.
Praying
Thankyou
Praying for strength to manage work, and peace that surpasses understanding for your family.
Thankyou,Mercy
Father I need Your peace and protection. Forgive my doubt, reward my faith. In Jesus name, Amen
Amen Aimee!
I know that God is my confidence today because I know that He is always with me. I know that whatever happens is part of his plan for me to maintain strength and grow. Even when bad things happen. He will reveal the real reason this has happened in His time.
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Psalm 16:8!
God can be my confidence today by remembering that in whatever I confront He is the same good God who put the beautiful sunrise I can see into the sky this morning. He is at my side (3 v26)! And more than that: God the Holy Spirit dwells within me. This is awesome power, so I know that He is more than capable in handling my challenging work, the interactions with my colleagues, and my worries and concerns. He is a strong tower, and I want to run to Him.
Oh Lord, I thank you for this community, and I pray for every woman reading your word this morning. I pray that we might be changed by it.
Amen, Mary.
Enjoy the sunrise and the beautiful day has in store for you..❤️
Thank you Mary! This was very encouraging. Praying for you too!
Thank you for your perspective! Prayers for you, too!
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Amen. And thank you for your prayer for all of us reading this morning. Have a blessed day!
Thank you, Mary – beautifully said ❤️
Amen and amen, Mary.
Love this prayer Mary, I needed to read it.
Thank you Mary for your beautiful prayer this morning for us!
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