God Is Our Remedy
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Ps. 34:4 NIV).
I have a tendency to get wrapped up in worry and anxiety. I spend large amounts of unproductive time concerned about whether something I said or did was received in a manner I didn’t intend. I fear that someone, somewhere is upset or disappointed with me. I preemptively stress about making correct decisions. I fear I’m not a good enough friend, a considerate enough spouse, or a caring enough mother. I wonder if I’m wasting my time by pursuing writing. Can the joy of the process truly be worth my time and effort? Is it a meaningful endeavor even if I’m never published, or am I just deluding myself?
Worry that I’m not doing enough is my constant companion. Should I call my family more? Make more effort to interact with my neighbors? Participate in more volunteer work in the community? Do I need to speak up more about social and cultural events? Should I be adding more encouragement and lightheartedness to social media? Would it be better to get off of social media altogether? Should I buy only organic, locally sourced produce and meat? Eat less meat? Support more local businesses? Am I exercising enough? Should I wear more makeup, but only the cruelty-free kind?
There’s so much happening around us that it’s quite easy to get worked up about anything and everything. We can spend all of our energy fretting about our world, our families, our roles, and our every word, decision, and action. Just thinking about it is enough to make our hearts race.
God doesn’t desire for us to live in a constant state of panic. When we see him or one of his messengers speaking to people in the Bible, they’re often trying to ease anxieties. Do not be afraid. Fear not. Take heart. These messages are repeated over and over.
God’s reason for us to fear not is always the same. He says, “I am with you,” (Isa. 41:10 ESV). God reminds us that we have his presence wherever we go. We’re never alone in our circumstances. When we’re struggling, God is there. When we’re worrying, God is there. When we’re fearful, God is there. Our problem is that we tend to forget this truth.
The psalmist reminds us that the remedy for our fear, worry, and anxiety is God. When we feel ourselves spiraling into what-ifs and concern, we need to seek the Lord. We can sit before him and pour out our hearts. We can share the scenarios our minds are conjuring and, when we’re through, let go of our worries. We can choose to believe they’re in God’s hands. He is faithful. He knows what needs to be done. He’ll provide us with peace that passes all understanding.
Some people benefit from giving their worries and fears to God in a physical way. They write down their concerns on a piece of paper, then place it into a small box or container and close the lid, a representation that it’s now in God’s hands. God knows, and he’ll take care of it. Others may need to sit in silence to allow their hearts and minds to relax in order to be reminded that God is in control. It’s up to him to work, and their job is to wait and trust.
No matter what we face, we’re never alone. God won’t leave us. He’s never left us. It’s we who are inclined to leave him. Let’s return to God with faith that he has all we need. He will ease our fears and calm our anxious minds.
Lord, we know that you’re always with us, but often we don’t act like it. We frequently forget that we don’t have to face anything alone. You’re as close as a prayer and ready to provide everything we need to overcome the challenges we experience. Remind us of your presence, that we may seek you and be eased of our fears. Calm our anxious hearts and fill us with your peace. Amen.
Scripture for Reflection
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (Ps. 62:8 NIV).
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10 NIV).
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7 NIV).
Reach for More
Is there anything you are worried about at this moment? Stop and pray. Share your heart with God, ask him to give you his peace, and then be still. Invite him to give you his perspective on whatever difficulties you are experiencing. Consider creating your own prayer box or starting a daily meditation practice to help you release things to God.
is a mother of two who loves reading, writing, traveling, and introverting. When she’s not at a class at the gym, she can either be found perusing used book stores for great deals or exploring her new town of Asheville, NC. She is the author of Between Us Girls and can be found chronicling her reading journey @meganbyrdreads on Instagram or writing about life at meganbyrd.net.
Photograph © Priscilla Du Preez, used with permission
Megan, hi! This has been the season when all those verses about fear are hitting home for me, convicting, comforting, giving me hope and trust that God has this. He loves us and knows the end from the beginning.
There’s only so much energy to go around these days, and fear sucks all the oxygen out of our souls.
Thank you for these encouraging words.
Megan, I can relate so well to this post. We’re constantly bombarded with messages telling us, “You’re doing it wrong,” or “You’re not doing enough.” Thanks for the reminding us God doesn’t intend for us to live in a constant state of anxiety. His grace is sufficient for us!