GOD WATCHES OVER US

I {Mandy} struggle with fear and anxiety. I have covered this at length on my personal blog Suburban Stereotype, but I am starting to realize that it is something many people struggle with. 

I have learned through scripture searches and Bible study that fear and anxiety can originate from a few different places: pride, focus on self, distraction, etc. But main origin is doubt. 

Fear really is a manifestation of our doubt that God will take care of us. 

We are fearful and anxious when we face the "what ifs" of life. We are fearful and anxious when we don't know what will happen or how it will affect us.

I came across this verse in Isaiah today and it was an amazing rebuttal from God in response to all of times I say, "but what if this happens, Lord...?" 

Isaiah 51: 12-14

"I, I'm the One comforting you.
What are you afraid of--or who?
Some man or woman who'll soon be dead?
Some poor wretch destined for dust?

You've forgotten me, God, who made you.
who unfurled the skies, who founded the earth.
And here you are quaking like an aspen
before the tantrums of a tyrant who thinks he can kick down the world.
But what will come of the tantrums?
The victims will be released before you know it.
They're not going to die.
They're not even going to go hungry.
For I am God, your very own God,
who stirs up the sea and whips up the waves,
named God-of-Angel-Armies.
I teach you how to talk, word by word,
and personally watch over you,
Even while I'm unfurling the skies, setting earth on solid foundations,
and greeting Zion:
'Welcome, my people!'"

So wake up! Rub the sleep from your eyes!
Up on your feet, Jerusalem!"

This was a real wake-up call for me! This is God saying, "Mandy, do you realize WHO I AM? Do you realize WHAT I AM CAPABLE OF?"

And the truth is: I do and I am, but I forget. 

I allow my doubt and my fear to take over and consume me. 

I focus so much on what I don't want to happen, what might happen, and what I'm afraid will happen, that I don't focus on who God is, what He is capable of, and the promises He's made to me.

I heard once that in order to be able to spot counterfeit money, instead of studying all the counterfeit bills, one must study the original so that when they encounter a counterfeit, there will be no mistaking it for genuine. 

Let's study the One and Only, Genuine God. 

Let's stop focusing so much time and energy focusing on what isn't and what may never even come to be.  

God said "The victims will be released before you know it. They're not going to die. They're not even going to go hungry."

I love this because God is saying those of us imprisoned by our own fears and anxieties will not only be set free, but we will be taken care of. 

And did you catch the verse that said, "...and personally watch over you"?

He cares about us. He wants what's best for us and we have to believe Him when He tells us that. 

It's so hard, I know. But I'm learning to trust in Him and what He tells me over what my fears tell me. 

Father, please be with all of us who struggle with fear. Please allow us to feel Your love and comfort all around us. Remind us that You are the God who stretched out the heavens, laid the foundations of the earth, who churns up the sea so that its waves roar. You tell us that You love us, You have plans for us, and that You are Mighty. Help us to rest in those Truths and not in our fears. In Jesus; precious name we pray, Amen.

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