Showing posts with label Fear. Show all posts

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Faith Over Fear: Trusting God in Uncertain Times

Scripture-Based Devotional Encouragement for Christian Families

In today’s world, fear can take hold of our hearts in an instant. We worry about finances, health, safety, and the future. As Christian families striving to raise children in faith, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the Bible reminds us over and over again: Do not be afraid. At Abundant Family Living, we believe that building a faith-filled home begins with choosing faith over fear—even in the middle of life’s storms.

What the Bible Says About Fear

God doesn’t want His children to live in fear. In fact, there are many Bible verses about fear, offering daily encouragement to trust Him. Let's look at some of them.

📖 Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) says:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

This verse reminds us that we never walk alone. Whether we’re facing a health crisis, family hardship, or uncertainty about the future, God promises to strengthen and uphold us.

Jesus Calms the Storm: A Lesson in Faith

In Mark 4:35–41, we find one of the most powerful illustrations of faith over fear. During a fierce storm, Jesus’ disciples were terrified. But while the winds howled, Jesus slept peacefully. When the disciples cried out in panic, Jesus calmed the storm and asked them,

“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Jesus wasn’t just speaking to them—He’s speaking to us. When life gets turbulent, we can either panic or place our trust in the One who controls the winds and waves.

4 Ways to Choose Faith Over Fear

Living a faith-filled life doesn’t mean fear never shows up—it means we don’t let fear control our decisions. Here are four biblical ways you can choose faith over fear in your daily life:

1. Meditate on God’s Word

Fill your heart with truth.

📖 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

2. Pray Through Your Fears

Talk to God about your concerns.

📖 Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything… and the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds.”

3. Take One Faith Step at a Time

You don’t need to have it all figured out. Obey God in the next right step, and He’ll guide the rest.

4. Build a Faith-Filled Environment

Surround yourself with Scripture, uplifting music, and Godly community. Speak life into your home.

A Faith that Anchors the Soul

📖 Psalm 56:3 says:

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

We will face fear. But we don’t have to give in to it. When you feel fear rising, remember who your anchor is. God is bigger than the storm. His love is stronger than your fear.

📖 Psalm 27:1 reassures us:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

Let’s Pray Together:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being our peace in every storm. When fear creeps in, remind us to trust You more. Help us lead our families with courage and faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Friday, June 13, 2025

Confidence in Christ: Overcoming Insecurity

In a world where comparison and self-doubt run rampant, insecurity can erode our sense of identity and worth. Whether it's questioning our abilities, appearance, or value, insecurity whispers lies that distract us from God's Truth. But as believers, we are not called to live in fear or uncertainty. True, lasting confidence is found not in ourselves but in Christ alone.

Understanding Insecurity

Insecurity often stems from relying on external validation or our own performance to determine our worth. Social media, societal expectations, and personal failures can magnify feelings of inadequacy. But Scripture reminds us that our identity is not defined by the world—it's rooted in God's unchanging truth.

Ephesians 2:10 declares,

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

You are not a mistake. You are His workmanship, created with purpose and value.

Our Identity in Christ

Confidence begins with understanding who we are in Christ. When we accept Jesus as Savior, we are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our past no longer defines us, and our value is no longer dependent on human standards.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Galatians 2:20 proclaims,

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Your life is now anchored in Jesus—the One who is perfect, unchanging, and victorious. When He lives in you, your confidence is secure.

A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God's Promises

Combating Insecurity with God's Word

To overcome insecurity, we must replace lies with truth. The enemy wants to steal our confidence, but God's Word equips us to stand firm.

Lie: "I'm not good enough."
Truth: "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Lie: "No one sees me or values me."
Truth: "The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will rejoice over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy." (Zephaniah 3:17)
Lie: "I can't do this."
Truth: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

Walking in Confidence Daily

Confidence in Christ is not arrogance or self-reliance. It's a humble trust in God's power working through us. Each day, choose to believe what God says about you. Pray for renewed perspective, read Scripture daily, and surround yourself with faith-filled encouragement.

James 1:6 reminds us not to doubt when we ask God for wisdom and strength:

But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

Confidence grows as we take small steps of faith, trusting God with each one.

You are not your fears, failures, or flaws. You are a child of God, called, chosen, and equipped. Insecurity may knock at your door, but you don't have to let it in. Root your heart in Christ and walk boldly in the confidence that comes from knowing Him.

Let this truth anchor you:

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

Confidence in Christ isn't wishful thinking—it's a powerful reality.

Walk in it.

Confidence in Christ: Overcoming Insecurity

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Thursday, February 25, 2021

Zoe's Hiding Place by David Powlison

Tucked underneath her purple patchwork quilt, Zoe feels safe. There she is in a place where she has no worries. Zoe is safe and cozy under her patchwork quilt, Zoe's hiding place. When Zoe jumps out of bed and is no longer under her quilt, she doesn't always feel so safe.

Bible Verse - Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength.

The story opens up with a Bible verse:

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. - Psalm 46:1

On this particular day, Zoe learns that her class has been invited back to the Mulberry Meadow Art Museum. The last time her class visited the museum, Zoe had a bad experience, so she was not excited about the upcoming field trip. In fact, Zoe is afraid to go again. On her way home that afternoon, Zoe's mind was filled with fear and worry. As soon as Zoe returned home, she went immediately to her room to get into her hiding place underneath her cozy patchwork quilt.

Zoe's mind was filled with fear and worry.

Zoe's mom explains to Zoe that worry wants her to believe that she is all alone and that God isn't with her to protect her. Zoe's mom explains to Zoe that Jesus is always with her. Jesus cares for her. Zoe's mom shares a verse from the Great Book with Zoe that says God is your refuge, a safe place from trouble and fear. Zoe decides that God reminds her of her cozy purple patchwork quilt. Zoe's mom shares another verse from the Great Book and then tells Zoe to turn each fear into a prayer.

The next morning, Zoe's dad gives her a handwritten note that says, "The Lord is near. Do not be anxious." He tells Zoe to pull out the note and read it when she feels afraid.

Zoe learns that God will keep her safe.

Zoe's second experience at the Mulberry Art Museum is not exactly uneventful, but this time around, Zoe's parents have shared the truth with her to help her navigate troublesome experiences that can result in fear and anxiety.

At the end of the story, there is a section for parents. In this section of the book, parents are given 10 points for helping children with anxiety. Each point gives good advice for parents and children.

Helping Your Child with Anxiety

At the very end of Zoe's Hiding Place, you'll find pocket Bible verses. These pages can be cut out of the book so that your child can carry the pocket Bible verses with him or her wherever he or she goes. Your child can carry the cards in a jacket pocket, pants pocket, or purse so that he or she can pull out the Bible verse cards to read them when he or she feel afraid or anxious.

Pocket Bible Verses

Now, let me tell you a few things about the illustrations. This book is illustrated by Joe Hox. The illustrations are so cute! The pages are colorful and very appealing to the eye. Your child might enjoy finding everyday objects that decorate Zoe's house. For example, I noticed a cola bottle cap and tabs were used to make a nightstand. Zoe's bed frame is made from pencils and a comb. There is a postage stamp on the wall for wall decor. Buttons and game pieces adorn the kitchen, while the table is made from a jar lid and wooden clothespins.

Zoe's Hiding Place is a well-illustrated, good Scripture-based story for helping children deal with fear and anxiety. I think it will help adults too.

Zoe's Hiding Place is written by David Powlison. It is part of the Good News for Little Hearts Series.

Get your copy here!

You might also like: Jax's Tail Twitches

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Zoe's Hiding Place

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Bible Verses to Combat the Fear of Sickness

We are currently in unprecedented times. I'm 50 years old and never in my lifetime has the entire world come together to fight a virus as a common enemy, at least not at this worldwide level. My parents say the same and they are entering their 70s. Granted, in pandemics of the past, we didn't have the technology we have now which allows us to watch the world at work in real time. I've always said that modern technology, particularly social media, is both a curse and a blessing. Social media has made people less social in the real word. Sometimes it brings out the worst in people as people will argue and say mean things to "friends" and people they don't even know while sitting behind a computer screen. Some of those same people spewing rudeness and meanness would never treat people like that in person. Modern technology has probably contributed to our collective fear of sickness. However, in the midst of our current COVID19 crisis, modern technology has allowed loved ones to stay in touch and encourage one another while the new term "social distancing" is our daily reality.

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People are utilizing FaceTime on their iPhones and Skype on computers more than usual. For those of us self quarantining due to underlying health issues or possible exposure to COVID19, seeing actual faces is such a blessing. My family has recently learned to use Zoom for business and personal group "gatherings." My social media network is sharing scripture verses throughout the day to encourage one another as we navigate the daily uncertainty of this crisis and the anxieties many of us are experiencing as a result of the very real fear of catching this virus.

Many of you are probably experiencing the same anxieties and fears if not over the COVID19 crisis, then perhaps another illness. Here is a list of Bible verses to help you combat the fear of sickness. These verses are from the New International Version (NIV).

Bible Verses to Combat the Fear of Sickness

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. - Proverbs 17:22

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7

He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. - Psalm 107:20

Even though I walk through the valley of death^,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. - 3 John 1:2

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - Philipians 4:6-8

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

I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? - Jeremiah 32:27

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Life can be overwhelming and sometimes we need simple reminders from God's Word to overcome our fear and anxiety. These petite-sized Scripture cards are the perfect tool to redirect our thoughts and encourage a peaceful and confident spirit on the go. Flip through these easy-to-use Bible memory cards to deepen your relationship with God and encourage living without worry.

Get yours here.

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For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. - Psalm 91:1-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - John 16:33

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. - Revelation 21:4

My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. - Proverbs 4:20-22

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. - Deuteronomy 31:8

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. - Psalm 34:4

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Fear Fighting Scriptures: 31 Coloring Pages + 31 Verses To Meditate On As You Color (Color Through the Bible)

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There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. - 1 John 4:18

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:28-30

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" - Hebrews 13:6

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. - Proverbs 12:25

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. - Psalm 34:17-20

Bible Verses to Combat the Fear of Sickness

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Bible Verses to Combat the Fear of Sickness

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Confessing Fear

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

Confessing Fear

Confessing fear is not an easy thing for me to do, but when an unhealthy fear interferes with my faith in God's sovereignty, it's a fear I need to confess to God and let Him take over. Let's start with a few Bible verses about fear.

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. - John 14:27

So that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” - Hebrews 13:6

Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:6-9

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Joshua was afraid and jolted. We need to hear what Joshua heard. We need to be strong and courageous. When we confess our fear, we are confessing our faith in God. God is our leader.

In Joshua 1, God was in charge.

4 Places Where God was in Charge:

Egypt

The Wilderness

The Promised Land

Babylon

God is always leading us. He uses hardships to sanctify us. Look for God's leadership.

No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. - Joshua 1:5

God keeps His promises.

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. - Zachariah 4:6

Your words were found and I ate them,
And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart;
For I have been called by Your name,
O Lord God of hosts. - Jeremiah 15:16

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. - 1 John 4:4

God was faithful then and He is faithful now.

So the Lord gave Israel all the land which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they possessed it and lived in it. And the Lord gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hand. Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass. - Joshua 21:43-45

Confess to God that He is faithful and keeps His promises. Confess obedience to Him.

Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. - Joshua 1:7-8

Obedience to God is the gateway to God's blessings. Remember that God's definition of success is not the same as the world's definition of success.

True success = Favor of God

Whatever is going on around us, we can have the peace of God within us.

God, you are my leader.

God, you keep your promises.

God, I will obey you.

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus? He wants to be your forgiver and your leader.

Cast all your cares on Him.

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Read all posts in my pastor's series on "Confession" here.

Thursday, October 18, 2018

20 Encouraging Scripture Cards for Deployed Military Men and Women (Living Through Deployment Series)

Image Credit: Abundant Family Living

Today begins a new series here on Abundant Family Living. My son has been in the Army National Guard for 7 years now, but today, things changed. Today is the day he reported for his first day on active duty status. OPSEC guidelines (Operational Security Guidelines) prevent us from sharing dates, times, and places so I won't be revealing those here on the blog until or if ever a such time is appropriate, but when the time arrives, this will be the second time I've lived through a deployment. The first time began in 1992 when I watched my husband, a young US Marine, head for Somalia. At the time, I was pregnant with my son who will deploy at a time and to a place unnamed for now. I've known this was coming for a long time so I thought I would handle this pretty well. After all, I've done this before so I can do it again. Let me tell you though. No amount of time this side of Heaven and no amount of previous military family experiences could have prepared this mama's heart for watching her son prepare to head for the dangers of a foreign land to fight a so-far 17 year war. My heart is breaking into a million pieces along with many other moms, wives, husbands, children, and all sorts of people who love these brave men and women.

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I have been thinking about what I might be able to send with my son to help encourage him in his faith during this long span of time away from his family, his home, and his church. I know that I could never bear this calling - this high calling - chosen by God to be the wife and mother of two brave military men - without a firm foundation of faith.

There is an old saying that says, "God will not put on you more than you can bear." My friend, my partner in the bearing of heavy burdens, this is not true at all.

For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. - 2 Corinthians 1:8-9

God does allow us to be burdened more than we can bear. In fact, according to 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, He allows us to be burdened EXCESSIVELY more than we can bear so that we will not trust in our own strength but in God.

I've decided that one of the things I want to send with my son is a stack of cards. On each card will be a Bible verse of encouragement. Each verse is intended to help him gain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding as he endures certain weaknesses. If you have a loved one deploying or you have a loved one enduring a different kind of hardship, perhaps these cards will help your loved on too. In fact, I will be creating two stacks, one for my son and one for me. I know that I will be enduring all these weaknesses too. We all do from time to time in our daily circumstances.

I want to share these with you. I'll be offering them for free right here in this post. The only thing I ask is that, if you want to share them with someone else, you will refer them back to this blog post.

20 Encouraging Scripture Cards for Deployed Military Men and Women

Simply right click. Then save to your computer. I will be printing these out on card-stock in the 4X6 size. Then, I'll write a personal message to my son in my own handwriting on the back of each card.