Hope-filled Sunday!
Happy Sunday! Here’s some encouragement for your week.
This past year and a half has been challenging for people all around the world. Unfamiliar circumstances, financial uncertainty, lack of contact with others resulting in loneliness, and heightened levels of fear and anxiety. For those who live with chronic pain and illness, that fear and anxiety was likely already there. And for many, myself included, it may never return to the pre-pandemic level.
Fear is described in Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary as: an unpleasant, often strong, emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. And it’s easy to see why the past year could contribute to that, even in those who aren’t chronic pain warriors. In those cases, a pandemic isn’t required to trigger the fear and anxiety that, in turn, trigger increased pain. Our bodies do that all on their own 😥
Today’s Scripture verse is a favorite of mine, and it is just one of many designed to remind us that we have no reason to fear. (That’s a reminder I need on a regular basis sometimes.)
Living with chronic pain and illness is scary, and it can make one feel very alone, since people don’t always “get it” unless they, too, are experiencing it. But Jesus understands. And Joshua 1:9 tells us we have no reason to be afraid, or feel lonely, because the Lord is with us wherever we go, no matter what we’re going through.
Fear can be crippling, and that’s just what the enemy wants! He wants us to be paralyzed to the point that we question whether or not God is with us, if He hears us, and if He loves us. The enemy wants to pump us full of lies!
When you encounter life’s challenges, of any kind or size, there’s only so much that can be done via your own strength. There comes a point when you need someone stronger than yourself to continue. And that’s when you can lean into the strength and the courage of the Lord.
You can face fear when you know that God is with you and that you’ll come out on the other side a winner because God will not leave you. Today, no matter what may be fueling your fears, know that God has a plan for you. Don’t allow fear to stop you from doing what God has called you to do. Share on X
Lord, when I face situations beyond my own strength and am tempted to be overtaken by fear, help me to look to you first for strength, courage, and peace, knowing that You are with me. Amen.
Have a blessed day. Gentle hugs to all of you. ?