January 08th, 2018

 
The Lord is my helper; I will not be seized with alarm.
                                                        Hebrews 13:6
 
 
Hello Friend,
I pray that you will have a great week.  But, life happens.  Perhaps this week you have a doctor’s visit that you are not looking forward to.  Or, maybe you are concerned about your relationships.  Do you suspect that your child is on drugs?  Will you have enough money to pay the bills?  Your boss has requested your presence in his office now!  Life offers us many moments when we can be seized with alarm.  God knows that we will face difficult challenges and throughout scripture he tells us over and over, “Don’t be afraid” (Matt 10:29).
 
            When I have those moments of fear, I turn to Hebrews, chapter 13, verse 5.  I read this verse in my Amplified Bible because it speaks to my heart.  I hope you will recall this verse in your moment of fear.
 
            I will not in any way fail you,
                        nor give you up,
                                    nor leave you with support.
                                                I will not, I will not.
            I will not in any degree leave you helpless
                        nor forsake,
                                    nor let you down,
            I will not relax my hold on you!  Assuredly not!
 
            Just reading that verse calms my anxiety.  God says emphatically over and over, I will not, I will not leave you helpless.  We do not have to live lives of fear.  We are all familiar with Psalm 23 that says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me. . .”  Another translation reads, “Even though I walk through the deepest darkness you are beside me.”   Have you ever felt like the sun was shining above, yet none of its warmth and light has reached you?  Have you ever been overshadowed with feelings of depression, despair, and defeat?  Take heart, my friend, God is with you; there is nothing to fear.
 
Affirmation:  I have courage to meet the day knowing that God holds my hand.                                                                                                                                 Linda