Have you ever felt fear and worry? I’m talking about the kind that grips you and causes you to feel paralyzed. The kind that causes your stomach to turn in knots and makes you question every decision you’re making. It’s not a fun place. It’s a dark, cold and lonely place. And it’s a place I’ve been in before and find myself at times in again as we go through this season of change. I don’t like being in that place and I hate it even more to know that when I am Satan is getting pleasure from my fear and worry. It’s right where he wants me to be, but it’s NOT where Jesus wants me to be.

But while fear and worry is not a good place, oddly enough it can be. Now hear me out, I know you’re probably thinking I’ve lost my mind. You see, it can be a good place when we realize during that time our need for Jesus and nothing else. That through all the feelings of fear we reach through the dark spot with outstretched arms seeking comfort, love and compassion from Him. That even through those feelings our desire for Him becomes greater. It takes reaching in and tapping into whatever energy is left and purposing in your heart to seek after Jesus even when you don’t feel like it. It takes praising Him in and through the storm. And when you do, Jesus comes through every time!

But, the fear and worry can be overwritten. This is what the Apostle Paul was referring to when he wrote about being transformed through the renewing of your mind according God’s word. Use Scripture to overwrite the fear and worry. Use Scripture to overwrite any negative, for that matter. This is GOOD news!

Take into consideration what the Lord said to Joshua when Joshua took over leadership of the Israelites in the desert. Joshua could have gone into a major fear and worry response after Moses died. But, the Lord gave him some saving advice: “Let this book of the law (scripture) not depart from you. Meditate on it day and night. In this way you will make your way prosperous (take the Promised Land).” When you’re faced with fear and worry dive straight into the soothing pool of scripture and the comfort of the arms of Jesus.

As I face my own fear and worry recently I am finding comfort from Psalm 91:1-2

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

And as for my worries I am finding comfort AND conviction from Matthew 10:31

So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Don’t allow fear and worry to grip and rob you from the joys of life, but when it does and you will face fear and worry again, be sure to run straight to the cross and dive into the scriptures. It’s there you will find courage, comfort, compassion, rest, rescue, safety, shelter and love.