4 Truths About God When You’re Afraid or Oppressed
Photo by Jakob Owens
A.W. Tozer writes, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
What comes to YOUR mind when you think about God?
What do you find yourself thinking about Him in difficult times—when you’re afraid, when intense anxiety is speaking to you, when worry is trying to take over? What do you think about Him then?
Here are a few simple biblical truths about God when you’re afraid or oppressed by the enemy.
1. When you’re dealing with fear, the comfort of God is right here with you. It is at your fingertips.
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,
Your comfort delights my soul. (Ps. 94:19 NASB)
You get to know the comfort of God! Here are a few declarations based on Psalm 94:19:
When I’m shaking, the Lord’s comfort makes everything better.
I look to Him when I am afraid.
He is stronger than all my anxious thoughts, and His comfort wipes away those thoughts.
His comfort delights me to the extent that I can smile in the midst of fear.
2. When you feel overcome by a world that is raging against God, understand that it will exalt Him in the end.
For the wrath of man will end in praise of You,
and whatever wrath is left You will wrap around Yourself like a belt. (Ps. 76:10 VOICE)
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.” (Ps. 46:10 NIV)
This is My command: be strong and courageous. Never be afraid or discouraged because I am your God, the Eternal One, and I will remain with you wherever you go. (Josh. 1:9 VOICE)
The darkness can seem powerful, but it is nothing compared to God. Here are a few declarations based on Psalm 76:10, Psalm 46:10, and Joshua 1:9:
The glory of God is more powerful than I understand.
I have no reason to fear when the world threatens me for doing what is right.
I am bold and courageous because of my God’s power.
I know how human anger will end: It will show off the glory of God.
He will be exalted. There is no other possibility.
The glory of God fills the earth.
3. In times of panic and fear, those who know His name get to walk in peace.
The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;
For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. (Ps. 9:9–10 NKJV)
You have a safe place that is sure and steady. Here are a few declarations based on Psalm 9:9–10:
God is my refuge when I feel overwhelmed and beaten down by darkness.
The name of the Lord is dear to me, and I trust Him.
He has never forsaken me, and He never will.
He will not forsake any of His children around the world.
4. When your anxiety is high, He can calm your heart.
For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. (Zeph. 3:17 NLT)
God is so pleased that you exist, and He is soft toward you, and He wants to hold you close to His heart. Here are a few declarations based on Zephaniah 3:17:
The Lord lives with me.
He is my powerful Savior at all times.
He is strongly delighted in me.
He calms my fears with His love.
He rejoices over me even when I feel ashamed or like a failure.
His love is faithful.
The next time you’re afraid…
Bill Frisbie writes:
It’s easy to get caught up in our own narrative. “I’m lost. I’m confused. I’m alone. It really looks like I’m just about to lose everything.”
But like David, we can come before the Lord and practice proclaiming who He is to us in the middle of the storm.
“This is who You are to me! I KNOW who You are! You are faithful in every situation. Your very nature is faithfulness. You are my Healer and my great reward. You are my treasure on the earth, and You are bigger than my circumstance.”
That’s when the game changes.
Take note of the verse that speaks to your heart the most in this devotional. Over the next week, come back to that verse again and again. Declare it out loud—be bold as you hold on to what God is saying to you, and do not listen to the voice of fear.
Does your heart need to remember who God is? Check out these other devotions:
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