What do you fear the
most?
Here we are in November, having just come through Halloween,
preceded by more than a month of horror movie overload on every cable
television channel imaginable. Maybe some of those mysterious monsters and
suspenseful scenes gave you pause, if you watched.
But what really
scares you?
For many of us, our deepest fears may come from within.
Maybe we are afraid of the future, the unknown, difficult relationships, or health
concerns. Some folks may fear change, potential failure, or even success.
Today’s promise
offers encouragement for all of us, as we face fears of all sorts.
So do not be
afraid. I am with you.
Do not be terrified. I am your God.
I will make you
strong and help you.
My powerful
right hand will take good care of you.
I always do what is right.
(Isaiah 41:10,
NIrV)
How we need these words – every day!
Perils, phobias, and panic can paralyze us – spiritually,
emotionally, mentally, and even physically. That frozen feeling of fear is
unnerving to any who have ever experienced it. But God is bigger.
Scriptural context
supports this, too!
Often, I enjoy reading the Bible on my tablet or searching
for favorite Scriptures online. These handy options can streamline Bible study.
I’ve also been encouraged by listening to the Bible on CD in the car.
But, when I really want to dig in, I find that nothing beats
turning the pages in my own marked-up, tattered personal Life Application Study Bible. The pages are dog-eared, and
loose notes fall out all over my lap when I open the Book. Bet your Bible looks
a little like that too.
But the footnotes, cross-references, and even my handwritten
margin notes frequently add meaning for me. Scribbled snippets jog my memory,
reminding me of Bible study classes or special sermons I have heard. Key words,
circled in many ink colors, jump off the page.
The Scripture promise I picked for today may be familiar to
you, but maybe in another Bible translation. Perhaps you memorized it in the King James Version, New American Standard Bible, the New International Version, or another Scripture translation.
When I come across a familiar verse, I sometimes find myself
skimming. I have to stop and go back and read it again. Using an unfamiliar
Bible translation makes me pay attention better.
For today’s Bible promise, I like the New International Reader's Version, because it’s different
and fresh and clear.
The margin notes in
my Bible sent me to these related verses today.
Take a look:
Be strong and
courageous.
Do not be afraid
or terrified because of them,
for the Lord your God goes with you;
he will never
leave you nor forsake you.
(Deuteronomy
31:6, NIV)
Your arm is
endowed with power;
your hand is
strong,
your right hand
exalted.
(Psalm 89:13,
NIV)
What, then,
shall we say in response to these things?
If God is for us,
who can be against us?
(Romans 8:31,
NIV)
Amen.
Throughout the
month of November, Heart of a Ready Writer posts favorite Scripture blessings
in a series titled “30 Days of God’s Promises.” Why not bookmark, follow, or
subscribe (free), so you won’t miss a single one?
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