Tag Archives: God’s promises

Free from Fear

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4, NLT*

Anointed as the future king of Israel, as a young man David spent years on the run from the current king, Saul. When he first fled from Saul’s palace, leaving behind his wife and his best friend, David went to the enemy Philistines for refuge.

The Philistines recognized him, and David realized his life was still in danger. He pretended to be insane, and the Philistine king sent him away. (You can read the story in 1 Samuel 21:10-14.)

Psalm 34 looks back on that experience. The introductory note uses a different name for the king (Abimilech instead of Achish) but according to the Geneva Bible, “Abimilech” was a term used for all the Philistine kings.

In that context, today’s verse makes me stop and think. David said “He freed me from all my fears.”

God kept David safe and got him out of the Philistines’ clutches, but David knew Saul still wanted to kill him. And David had an honourable streak that wouldn’t let him kill Saul first.

David’s reason for fear—Saul—was very much alive and well. But David declared that he’d been set free from all his fears.

To me, that suggests an important distinction. Maybe it echoes another David-psalm where he rejoices that his Shepherd is even with him in the dark valley under death’s shadow. (Psalm 23)

The danger hadn’t changed, but David had. Fear didn’t own him anymore.

This wasn’t David’s first experience with God’s trustworthiness. Growing up, he faced down lions and other predators. Then he acted in faith to kill the giant, Goliath. (1 Samuel 17)

I think he fled from Saul in disappointment, discouragement and panic. And somehow, his experience with the Philistines reminded him where he needed to put his trust.

Even when we can’t change our circumstances, we can change how we respond. We don’t have to act insane like David did, but we can choose to rely on our strong God.

My theme message in my novel, Heaven’s Prey, is “Whatever happens, Jesus will be there.” I think that’s what David remembered in his moment of Philistine-induced terror. It’s what I need to remember every time fear or anxiety start to whisper.

It isn’t easy, and it’s not a one-time deal for most of us. It often starts with bringing God our fears, and saying “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:14-29)

He will.

We will still feel fear. But we don’t need to be afraid, bound by that fear. Our God is bigger.

God, our strong and mighty refuge, You promised to never leave us, and to shepherd and shield us. Whether you lead us through easy terrain or dangerous paths, help us remember that You are with us. Help us trust Your love. We know that doesn’t mean we’ll live pain-free, happy lives, but whatever happens, You will be with us to carry us through, to Your glory and ultimately for our good.

∞

Let these words from Jeremy Camp sink into our spirits today: “Trust in You (I Will Not Be Afraid).”

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Therefore We KNOW

What Holds You Together?

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The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
Hebrews 1:3, NLT*

Jesus sustains everything. He holds it all together: atoms and solar systems, swirling in their created dance. He draws it out, lets it continue and resonate like a lasting chord played on a piano.

When life feels like it’s spinning out of control—or when I feel like I am—this promise is my anchor. We might not like what’s going on, maybe can’t see any sense or any good in it, but it doesn’t have to break us.

We are held. Together.

When we want to quit, the choice is ours. But if we choose to pray for help, to stand and trust God to sustain us, we will see Him at work.

Majestic and glorious God, You made heaven and earth and still you choose to care for us. You sustain and nurture us and draw us into relationships with Yourself so we can thrive. When chaos makes us doubt, help our unbelief. Strengthen our faith and help us choose to rely on You. Thank You for Your promise to never fail or abandon us.

∞

I love this song from the band Fee about God’s sustaining power: “Arms that Hold the Universe.”

Life. God Promised.

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This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:1, NLT*

The life: Accepting Christ gives us more than eternal life with God when we die. It gives us new life in the here and now. It’s a spiritual rebirth, so we can grow in relationship with God. He hears our prayers and responds to us. As the Good Shepherd, He directs and protects us, and leads us into opportunities to serve Him, be they big or small.

The promise: Sometimes in worship we sing “I will never be the same,” but often we seem the same as we were before Christ. We’re not the same—we’re spiritually alive now—but sometimes it can hide pretty deep. After all, we’re works in progress and sometimes the old “stuff” surfaces.

This is the kicker for me today, this mention of the promise. God keeps His promises, but if we don’t believe them, we can’t receive them. (click to tweet that)

Through faith: It’s worth noting we can’t earn this new life by working harder or working smarter. We need to believe what God says. When we don’t feel any different, we can remind ourselves of His promises and pray “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24, NLT*)

God who saves us and gives us new life, You know our weakness and You know the plans You have for us—plans to give us a future and a hope. Help us trust You, Lord. Help us grow in You. Thank You for giving us new life.

∞

New life through faith in Christ Jesus. What better song than “I’m Alive” by Peter Furler?

Relying on God’s Promises

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For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13, NLT*

This is one of those verses I remember learning in my teens, and I used to quote it to myself when I needed reassurance. How much was actual reliance on Jesus, and how much was positive thinking, I’m not sure.

It came back to mind recently when I was wrestling a small stump out of my flower garden. I still don’t fully grasp how we can rely on the power of God working in us instead of working in our own strength, but I see it a bit more clearly than I used to.

I can do all things [that God asks me to do] through Christ, who gives me strength.

Positive self-talk may be more important than we realize, even if just to replace the negative “voices,” but the promises of God are a key part of a Christian’s mental health. [Tweet this.]

They’re more than things we tell ourselves to keep up our courage. They’re not inventions of our minds, not human attempts to frame life in a positive or hopeful perspective. They come from the authority of God and we can rely on them.

God whose promises never fail and whose grace and power are limitless, grant us clarity to not try to pull your words out of context and deceive ourselves. Help us learn to rely on Your promises and on Your strength that works so powerfully within us.

∞

Matt Redman’s “Never Once” declares the truth that God is faithful. Let it encourage us today.

What Pleases God?

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He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse
or in human might.
No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him,
those who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Psalm 147:10-11, NLT*

If you take a few minutes to read Psalm 147 you’ll see descriptions of God’s power and actions. He restores the nation of Israel but also heals the broken-hearted. He names each star and feeds baby ravens.

He does it all without needing our help, although the Bible makes it clear that He invites and empowers us to participate in His work.

God is big, vast beyond our knowing. His power can’t be thwarted, nor His mercy exhausted.

What does He ask us to do? Save ourselves? Restore and bind up ourselves? Name the stars and feed the wildlife?

Some of those things we will do, and it will please Him. We’ll care for one another and for creation. That’s important. And I’m sure He doesn’t mind that we name the stars, even though His names for them are truer.

But it’s not our strength, accomplishments or actions that delight God. It’s our heart-responses to Him—responses of healthy fear of His power and hope in His love. His unfailing love, in case we missed that.

Majestic Creator God, there is none like You. You give us so much—including salvation—that we could never earn nor repay. Instead of trying to do the impossible, our response is to be reverent fear and hope. You say it pleases You, so help us to live this way more and more. And help us to show our love for You in how we treat others.

∞

God has saved us, and we have nothing to prove. Here’s Todd Agnew’s song, “I Need No Other.” You may recognize the seeds of an older song, “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place.”

Bible Verses that Make a Difference

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Photo of the Book of Isaiah page of the Bible (cropped version) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On Wednesday I mentioned some of the verses I’m using these days to keep my thoughts and emotions aligned with God.

In various stages of my life, I’ve clung to different verses.

Here are some that have meant a lot to me over the years:

“Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.”   ‑ Isaiah 50:10b NIV

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”         ‑ Isaiah 40:31 NIV

“The Lord is faithful to all His promises, and loving toward all He has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.”    ‑ Psalm 145:13b,14 NIV

“He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.”    ‑ Isaiah 40:11 NIV

“A bruised reed He will not break, and a smouldering wick He will not snuff out.” – Isaiah 42:3a NIV

What are some verses that have meant the most to you?

Trust

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My friend Jan Cox has dubbed this the Year of Trust. I’m focusing on relentless gratitude, and there’s a definite cross-over. Gratitude to God reinforces trust in God.

Here are some links I’ve found helpful:

Carolyn Watts’ posts at Hearing the Heartbeat often bless me. Here she offers a simple reminder of what trust can look like.

At Something About the Joy, Ginny Jaques shares Four Things About God that Make Life So Much Easier.

At Dreaming Big, Heather Boersma encourages us to let our words affirm our dependence on God and speak life, not death. That sounds like trust to me.

At Promises for All Who Are In Christ, Natalie Gidney lists several promises from God that define who we are in Christ. Good to memorize for when the doubts fly.

And Janice Dick reminds us of God’s protective hold on us.

Trust

Convinced that God is Able

Janet Sketchley

Writing Christian Mysteries & Suspense

Tag Archives: God’s promises

Free from Fear

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Therefore We KNOW

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What Holds You Together?

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Life. God Promised.

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Relying on God’s Promises

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What Pleases God?

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Bible Verses that Make a Difference

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Trust

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Trust

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Convinced that God is Able

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