“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 (ESV)

The doorbell rang at 1 a.m. Instantly, I knew something was wrong. Panic rose in my body as I fumbled to find my glasses and get to the door.

There stood my friend with a look of worry and a command to hurry.

I grabbed my keys and drove as quickly as I could to the hospital where someone I deeply love was in an emergency room bed. Choices they’d made led to bad decisions and an outcome that almost cost them their life.

They would be OK. They would pull through. They would wake up again.

But the next few hours — and even the next few days — were going to be hard.

There were two unseen things fighting for my attention in those moments. One, faith. The other, fear.

But the battle to believe one or the other would be mine.

Having fear is not a sin. It’s what we allow fear to become that leads us to turn away from God.

In fact, throughout Scripture, we see how God fights for our faith in the midst of our fears. As King David wrote in today’s key verse, Psalm 56:3, God longs for us to trust Him: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

I love this verse because it’s not just a promise I can hold on to, but a prayer I can pray when I feel afraid.

This verse is a verse of resolve when fear fights for our focus.

But is it as simple as praying a prayer and asking God to help us have faith instead of fear? Yes and no.

We can silence fear by giving steady focus to faith.

And so, over the next few hours in that hospital room and when we left the hospital, I had to give my faith the attention it needed in a crisis. I repeatedly had to remind my thoughts not to give way to fear. And I know God heard my prayer, “I’m afraid … but I’m putting my trust in You.”

I don’t know what’s fighting for your attention that stirs up fear in your life, but I hope you find the confidence to break through the unseen and hold on to faith. Because God is fighting for you, too.

Start with this prayer: “I’m afraid … but I’m putting my trust in You.”  And then recognize the process.

You’re worthy of faith. And fear isn’t worth your attention.

Faith and fear both fight for you to believe in something you cannot see. Choose your battle wisely.

Dear God, You are a constant presence in our lives. You are the God who fights for our faith and empowers us to silence our fears. Thank You for Your love, which shows me how worthy You are of my trust, even when I’m afraid. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY

Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (NLT)

Genesis 15:1, “After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great.” (CSB)

Psalm 27:3, “Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.” (NLT)

RELATED RESOURCES

Sometimes it’s easy to forget who we are. When the world, our circumstances and others threaten to label us as unknown or unloved, we can cling to the Truth of our identity in Christ. You are Known & Loved, dear friend. Our brand-new Known & Loved shirt is now available! Based on Psalm 139:1-4, this comfy and stylish tee is a reminder of the Truth of the gospel for you and everyone around you. Grab yours here before they are gone!

In Nicki Koziarz’ book, 5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn’t Quit, Nicki shares the plan to persevere with faith. Click here to purchase your copy today.

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REFLECT AND RESPOND

Write down in a journal three things that make you fearful right now. Ask God to reveal how you’ve been giving attention to fears and feelings over faith, and recognize your part in the process. Pray and ask God to give you strength to stay focused on faith, not fear.

In the comment section today, we’d love to hear other Scripture verses or specific ways God has shown you to help fight for faith, not fear.

© 2020 by Nicki Koziarz. All rights reserved.