By Toni Ford
We live in a fallen world with so many unknowns. Much has changed since we were kids, especially over the past five years. I hear from others that one of their greatest struggles is not letting their thoughts go to what I call the “what if” thinking: What if I don’t make the same amount of money I did last year? What if I get sick or a family member gets sick? What if our country goes to war? Those thoughts lead to fear and cripple us from moving forward in life. Sometimes keeping these negative thoughts away is a daily battle, and over the years I’ve found that God’s Word is the best remedy for me when I find myself in such situations.
This is why I know it is vital for me to begin each morning with the Lord. I spend time in prayer, first worshipping the great God He is. I then give to Him all the things that weigh heavy on my heart. I wrap up my time by reading His Word and praying His Word of truth over my life and the lives of my family and friends. This builds my faith, which helps to diminish any fears I might have, while encouraging me and providing the support I need for my day.
My reading of Scripture might be one verse or e a reading from the Book of Psalms, and as I go throughout my day, I will often say that verse out loud, praying it over my life in the car or even sharing it with someone else who needs encouragement. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, God’s Word reminds us that, “We are human, but we do not wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.”
I love this verse because it reminds me that fighting the things of this world, (i.e., the negativity of the news, the wrong thoughts in my own mind, the fears that rise up within me) is not done through human reasoning but only by the Word of God. His Word, as Hebrews 4:12 says, “Is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
Below are some Scriptures you can use in your own life as you continue to walk in the unknown things of this world. I pray that as you pray and speak these verses over your life each morning, your faith will be strengthened, and you will be encouraged to live a peaceful life full of hope and no fear.
John 14:27. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Romans 15:13. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Psalm 16:9 and 11. “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Isaiah 41:10. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Deuteronomy 31:6. “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Exodus 15:2. “The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”
Ephesians 6:10. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”
Lord, as we read and stand on Your Word, may our faith rise and our minds be strengthened, knowing that You are providing and protecting us each day. Thank You for loving us so much!
If you would like me to join you in prayer, please e-mail me at tonif77@gmail.com. I would love to pray for you!