Ponder This: What truth from God’s Word do I need to remember when fear begins to build?
Scripture To Consider: In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? -Psalm 56:10-11
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Tom's Response:
If you asked my family and friends to give you one word that most characterizes me, no one would say the word "wise." I wouldn't use it for myself either, but I have gained wisdom through my years, knowing that God is my loving Father. That is a truth. He truly loves me in a way I cannot comprehend. He wants me to walk beside him, draw near, and spend time with Him. He wants what is best for me even though it may not be what I want. God knew the mistakes I would make throughout my life before I was born, because He loved me enough to give me free will. You cannot have a real relationship without free will. He tells us in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you before you were born I set you apart. Jesus taught us in Luke 12:7, "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Jesus is letting us know of His profound attention to detail and that we are not insignificant whatsoever.
My belief is that these mistakes and what I would call unwanted circumstances are to mold us into having a deep relationship with God. Isaiah 64:8 shares, "Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all work of your hand." My clay may be a little more difficult to form, but I know he is continuously working on me so that our relationship is unbreakable. John 5:17, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” At this very moment, He is working on each and every one of us. That is a powerful statement. The Creator of the Universe (God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit) is working nonstop for our salvation. That love is a truth.
Karen's Response:
God’s Word is full of truths and promises that I cling to when life feels uncertain. This summer, I have been preparing my heart as I step into a season of change, and today is the day it begins. Today is freshman move-in day at Union University.
These scriptures are such rich and beautiful blessings for a mom to hear when she is releasing the one she watched over the last 18/19 years. When life feels a little uncertain, when those what-ifs begin to creep in, and when I don't want to let go of that final hug, I can return to these truths: God goes before us. Jesus came so we may have abundant life. God holds our future. And we were placed at this time for a purpose.
Deuteronomy 31:8 is a verse that I have written on my heart in this season. “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” What a beautiful promise from our Heavenly Father. He is already there. He has prepared the path. He knows what lies ahead. He is with Billy, and He is with me. My part is to believe it - to choose faith over fear.
Jesus says in John 10:10, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” An abundant, flourishing life isn’t meant to be ruled by fear. There is joy to be found even in seasons of change. There is a time for tears and sadness, but “joy comes in the morning” Psalm 30:5.
And Ecclesiastes 3:4 reminds us there is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” So I can shed tears of sadness at something precious changing, and then trust God as I step forward into the joy of what comes next.
Jeremiah 29:11 is a wonderful verse to pray over your child. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” What comfort there is in remembering that the future I cannot see is already known by our Creator.
And Esther 4:14 is another great reminder of God’s purpose. “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” This new place meeting these new people is exactly where God has called him to be.
Finally, 2 Timothy 1:7 tells me, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. I love this verse because it reminds me that God gives me what I need for the hard things, and when fearful thoughts begin to build, I recognize they are not from Him. Then, I can pause, return to His promises, and declare His truths over them.
Praying God’s blessings over all the students heading back to school. And praying for all the momma’s hearts as they send them into the next chapter. - Karen
