Joshua, Esther, Moses, Gideon, Jeremiah, Peter, and Paul, together with many others, including Jesus Himself, faced times of uncertainty when fear, worry, or great concern plagued their hearts. They longed for answers, needed an indication of hope, and prayed for peace.
The Bible is scattered with countless stories that share the identical underlying theme: all of them wanted peace. However, during times of uncertainty, the load of the world caused many to cave under pressure and bend to the lies that they were alone and defeated. We read that Joshua lost courage, and Moses fought his own insecurities. Esther feared for her life, Abraham and Jeremiah didn’t fully trust or understand God’s plan, while Peter doubted and denied Jesus.
Are their stories any different than ours?Â
Friend, when you are feeling heavy-hearted, you should not the just one. I can assure you of that. It’s been quite a bit currently. Between wars overseas to the present heartbreaking news of natural disasters right in our own beloved nation, not to say a tense and fairly heated election looming, the sense of overwhelm and anxiousness is bubbling slightly below the surface for us all. The weight is heavy, and it’s been quite a bit to take previously couple of years, right?
However, just because the people we examine in God’s Word struggled with fear, anxiety, and a way of overwhelm, we also see where God met them with a delicate and affirming hand, leading them out of deserts, giving them courage to satisfy with kings, granting them wisdom in times of need, and continuing proving Himself as God. These characters have turn into Biblical heroes that we examine time and time again and share with our kids. We see their humanness but note God’s goodness, faithfulness, and almighty power. Their stories also mimic our own, as God declares He can do the identical for us!
So, with that, today I invite you to grab Your Bible. Let’s put your wondering mind relaxed and produce your heart some much-needed comfort as we seek peace during these tumultuous times of uncertainty. Go back and skim the stories of Joshua or Moses, Peter or Paul, but additionally take a moment to reflect on your individual story and the way God is moving in your life. Then lean into some Scriptures that you would be able to cling to when the uncertainty of this world becomes far too great, and you wish truth to ward off all of the attacking lies.
As you read the verses below, ponder them, tuck them in your heart, whisper them throughout your day, and, as needed, declare them out loud so the enemy knows who he’s coping with! You are a faithful believer in a God who defends you, protects you, and may (and can) conquer your fears with insurmountable peace.
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