Facing My Fears

Read: Psalm 138

In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul. --- Psalm 138:3

The Bible In One Year:
Joshua 13-15
Luke 1:57-80

After Bill and I married, I became overly dependent on him, rather than depending on God for my security and strength. Feeling very inadequate and fearful, secretly I worried, "What if one day I don't have Bill anymore?"

When our missionary work took Bill from home for weeks at a time, I began to depend on myself instead of Bill. Feeling even more inadequate, I reduced the risks of life whenever possible and lived within a cocoon of anxiety, even being afraid to go out in public.

Finally, at rock bottom, I followed David's example in Psalm 138:3. He said, "In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul." I too cried out and God answered me. His answer gave me the understanding and strength my wings in dependence on God. Slowly but surely He made me a bold servant at Bill's side.

Years later, when Bill died, I recognized how compassionately God had dealt with my earlier fear: "What if one day I don't have Bill anymore?" Instead of removing my fear, God gave me the strength and ability to face it. And He will enable you as you depend on Him. --- Joanie Yoder

I know not, but God knows;
Oh, blessed rest from fear!
All my unfolding days
To Him are plain and clear. --- Flint

TO CONQUER YOUR FEARS, SURRENDER THEM TO THE LORD.