Fear

I must humbly admit something to you, friends.

My first reaction to many things in life is fear and anxiety.

I worry all day. I worry about how my words have affected others. I worry about getting things done on time. I worry about the unknown. I worry about my friends and my family. I worry about the future. I live in fear of what has been and what could be.

This unhealthy pattern of worry has been exacerbated by my upcoming semester in France. There is so much that I cannot control, and so little I can know for sure. With recent events in France, I fear I will be caught in a dangerous and terrifying situation.

Amongst my worries and fears, God whispers His sweet and calming truth to my soul through His word.

He reminds me that I can have victory over fear, because He has given me a spirit of power and love and self-control- and that through His spirit, I can boldly preach the gospel (2 Timothy 1:6-14).

He shows me that in fearful situations, He will strengthen and help me (Isaiah 41:10).

He says to me that I am not to fear. Man can do nothing to harm my soul because they simply do not have the power that He has. He values me, he knows me, and He has sovereingly written His plan not just for my life, but for the whole universe (Matthew 10:26-33).

He tells me that He is my stronghold. He is my light. He is my salvation (Psalm 27:1).

He reminds me that my whole duty is to fear and obey God- not man, not the unknown, not anything but Himself (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

There is a lot about spending a semester in France that scares me. Needless violence is becoming a regular occurence. Preparing for everything that may happen is impossible. I am stepping into a world of unknowns, of newness. I am also stepping into His grace. I am stepping into His plan. I go with His strength, His care, and His guidance- every day, no matter where I am.

My heart is slowly learning to trust Him.