Do you recall when you were very small and in bed and heard a strange noise? I remember vividly burrowing farther under the covers, with the thoughts of a young child that what can’t see me can’t “get me.” Now, I’m older (by a lot!) and I still sometimes find myself burrowing under covers, hiding my fears and trying to pretend that I’m not afraid when I am. But God doesn’t want us to be afraid.

When we are afraid, we are supposed to turn to God to take care of our fears. What do I fear? Right now, I fear not being able to return to my what is normal for me…eating regular food and doing my regular exercise routine, feeling stronger and more like the “old me.” For five months now, I have eaten fish and drunk protein shakes. No other kind of meat at all, so my protein has generally been low on a daily basis, mostly because I just do not like fish. So I fear what the lack of protein will do to my brain that was already damaged by a stroke. I fear that my esophagus won’t heal properly and I will continue to have difficulty eating. After all, the surgeon said that it had been badly damaged over the years of having stomach acid in it, so it will take a long time to heal. Do you see where this is going? My fears are about me…me…me! And God wants me to focus on Him. When I do, then my fears are dispelled and I can go forward in His strength, knowing that He created me and knows how to keep my body (and my brain) going. There is nothing going to happen to me today that God doesn’t know about and can’t handle! And the same is true for you, too!

In context, this Scripture is directed to the Israelites as they were about to go into the Promised Land and fight the current inhabitants. Nevertheless, I am appropriating this wonderful Word for me, too. God is going before me. He has never failed me and He won’t fail me as I continue to struggle with this recovery period. He will not leave me, no matter what is happening in my life. So I am not to be afraid or to be dismayed. Dismayed according to Google means to cause to lose courage or to cause to be distressed. Is there anything that dismays God? Of course not! He is God, and since I am giving over to His broad shoulders my cares, my anxiety, then there should be nothing that distresses me either. God is capable and He loves me. He doesn’t want me to worry at all…not about the small stuff or the big stuff. Have you turned over your fears to God? Let Him calm your heart even as He is now calming mine. The swirling waters that are my mind are quieted in His presence. Let Him calm you and show you what a good God He is. Blessings, my friends, for a day filled with God’s care for you!