Every person deals with fear. Some of us experience it in more “obvious” ways, and some of us experience it in “quieter” ways that are harder to see, yet we’re still learning to overcome it the same as everyone else.

No matter where you are in this special journey of learning to trust the Lord, no matter how “big” the fear is or how “small” it is, here are three truths to think about this week as you choose to be brave.

1. God is your shield, and this is a position He takes seriously.

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;

    you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. (Ps. 3:3 NLT)

Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him,

    for he shields him all day long,

    and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders. (Deut. 33:12 NIV)

Consider what those verses mean to you personally. Ask the Lord about them, and write down what He shows you. Here are some ideas to work from: 

• You are not alone.

• God is your shield from sunup to sundown. All day long, He stands between you and your enemies.

• He Himself defends you from attack.

• He has you covered, and you get to rest in Him instead of fearing for your life.

• All His faithfulness is here, all His strength is here, and these things are for you because He loves you.

• He is your glory. When you feel worthless and like you deserve nothing good, He is STILL your glory.

• He is the reason you can keep standing.

• He is the reason you can rest.

2. God is your Rescuer when you feel you don’t deserve to be rescued.  

I have cried out to you, Yahweh, from your holy presence.
    You send me a Father’s help. (Ps. 3:4 TPT)

Fools, because of their rebellious way,
And because of their guilty deeds, were afflicted…

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble;
He saved them from their distresses. (Ps. 107:17, 19 NASB)

The Lord is holy. We often think and act the “opposite” of holy, but He chooses to answer us anyway. He is familiar with our shortcomings and dust-like state (Ps. 103:14), and He is still here, taking care of us with all His faithfulness.

Those who cry out to Him for help get to have His help. Those who want Him get to have Him. You have not been rejected. As you call out to Him for help, He will move. Wait for Him because He is coming.

3. You get to think about good things. You don’t have to think about things that lead you into fear. 

I lay down and slept,
    yet I woke up in safety,
    for the Lord was watching over me.
I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies
    who surround me on every side. (Ps. 3:5–6 NLT)

The Lord is here to defend you from your enemies. You don’t have to spend a lot of time thinking about those enemies and asking yourself “what if” questions about them. Instead, you get to set your mind on the Lord and spend your time in Philippians 4:8:

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. (NIV)

Think about THOSE THINGS and not the things you fear.

This Week’s Activation

This week, practice thinking about holy things, not fearful things.

Everyone’s process with the Lord is a little different. Consider what it means for you, personally, to think according to holiness and not fear. What does that look like for you? How can you line up your thoughts with the God who is much, much bigger than you and is faithfully watching over you? Ask Him to help you think holy thoughts.

Expect to see good things this week!

 Does your heart need to remember who God is? Check out these other devotions:

• This Week, Fill Yourself Up with God’s Kindness

• How Do You Want to Think This Week?

• Speaking Your Worship to the Lord

• 4 Truths About Your Dreams and Why You Shouldn't Give Up

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