I trust in God; I am not afraid.
I have fears. Fears of failing as a wife, as a mother, as a daughter, sister, friend, especially as a Christian. I fear difficult situations that push my comfort levels and demand more of myself than I believe possible. I fear without reason.
These fears make me feel spiritually trampled. Under pressure to solve adolescent and marital problems, provide comfort when children are ill, manage all the duties in my 21st century life, I struggle and stumble. As Satan whispers lies filled with anger and disapproval, my soul buckles under the attacks. And then just as the feelings of defeat and unworthiness nearly overcome me, the Holy Spirit gently reminds me that I can choose to trust in God or to succumb to fear and crumble under the weight of my daily crosses.
Praying with the words of today’s Psalm and the Gospel over and over, the Holy Spirit whispers to me, Trust in God; do not fear. He shows me that the Son of God Himself is my companion and example. I see Jesus in this story seeking peace and solitude, but finding more and more people seeking Him, to the point of pressing upon Him physically. (Mark 3:9-10) I can relate, with my introverted heart seeking solitude only to be called for by a sick or sad child. Then I imagine Jesus encountering the unclean spirits, and I wonder if He felt fear, frustration, or even anxiety. In those moments, did the Psalms strengthen His soul? I like to think they did, and now I feel that I know Jesus better. He knows what I fear, and He’s telling me, I’ve got this. Trust in Me.
So I try again. I repeat the Psalmist’s words, “In God I trust; I shall not fear,” (Psalm 56:4) and a peace settles over my soul.
I trust in God; I am not afraid.Click to tweet
What do you fear, sister? Leave it with Jesus today, and ask Him to increase your trust. Know that He is with you, and He has rescued you from death. Trust in God, and do not fear.
Gina Fensterer is a Colorado native at heart, but the West Coast beach life suits her just fine. She currently lives in small coastal area of California with her husband and six children. She loves the Jesus prayer, coffee at any time of day, homemade salsa, photography, and sleepy toddler snuggles. You can find out more about her here.