“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.” — Isaiah 41:10 NIV
From scared to secure Fear comes whispering in your ears but it doesn’t sound like fear at all. Oh, no, it’s more like the voice of reason, of questioning, of common sense. It brings all the what ifs, what abouts, oughts and shoulds which are hard to ignore, harder still to justify when faith feels a stretch too far, while trust is asking you to take a great big leap into the abyss—into the dark. Our human hearts are so easily alarmed, unsettled, made fraught with worry and concern, by scary thoughts, by being asked for more than we are capable of. But that’s only if we rely on human reasoning alone, and forget to factor in the power of our amazing, death defying, grace and hope supplying God. Because then we’re not facing anything all by ourselves or trying to make important decisions without his help. But we are relying, depending for all we are worth, on God’s mercy and wisdom to gently guide and steer us forward. It takes the sting out of whatever we might be facing. The anxiety will leave, be released and slowly dissipate as we move from being scared to securely dependent on God’s foresight and grace. © joylenton
“God hasn’t lost courage. God isn’t wavering on endurance. God doesn’t fear another day or another test, and God is standing behind me. He is making available for me all that he is. By grace through faith, I have nothing to fear, no reason to feel defeated.” — Gary L. Thomas ‘Simply Sacred: Daily Readings
Fear tends to infiltrate us out of nowhere. One minute we’re happily going about our days, and the next (or so it seems) we become scared of this or that, stuck in the muddy quagmire of worry, and consumed by anxiety and fear. A wall goes up and we cannot scale it, despite our best efforts.
I’ve experienced this over the last few months with the added stress of moving house before our previous property is sold. It’s the plethora of changes and extra admin that sink me, alongside the sheer weary overwhelm of being busy beyond my body’s capacity to cope. But there is hope and there is help for all troubled souls.
No scary situation we might face is a match for our matchless, fear-less heavenly Father’s grace.
God sits beside us, gently nudging us back to trust, softly reminding us of His all-encompassing Presence, great faithfulness, and constant love. And more than that, we have the gift of His calming and comforting Peace to keep us from staying afraid. May our faith be above every fear as we hand each one over to God.
“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 NIV
Poetry Joy 
“Fear tends to infiltrate us out of nowhere. One minute we’re happily going about our days, and the next (or so it seems) we become scared of this or that, stuck in the muddy quagmire of worry, and consumed by anxiety and fear.” That happens all too often in my life. Thanks for your reminder that fear is never a match for God’s grace.
Shirley, thanks for letting me know those words spoke to you, and giving me hope that I’m not alone in the experience they convey. I definitely need that reminder myself. And I will pray for the worrying, anxiety ridden, fearful days to recede for you, my friend. x 💜
“No scary situation we might face is a match for our matchless, fear-less heavenly Father’s grace.” Oh amen. Thank you Dear Joy for this precious reminder, that is so timely for this place where I am walking also. I am so grateful for your prayers and encouragement along the way. Love, hugs, and prayers for you dear friend. Xoxo
Dear Bettie, this is very much what we have both been learning over the last few months of being stretched way out of our comfort zone because of moving house. Especially when we’re already struggling, weary and depleted in our everyday lives. But God—oh how I love those words!—keeps on pouring out His grace day after day. Your prayers, caring support and encouragement are such a blessing to me too. Love, hugs, and continuing prayers for you, my dear friend. xoxo 😊💟🙏🏻
Joy, I love everything about this! Your poem is so insightful and I love the graphic and scripture. It’s so easy to start to fear, even when you know God is with you. It’s good to be reminded that we are secure in our Fear-Less God. Nothing can separate us from Him and he loves us more than we will ever know. Blessings and love to you, dear Joy! xoxo Thank you for this beautiful post.
Gayl, I’m so thankful you have been blessed and encouraged by this post! Wouldn’t it be great if fear left us alone sometimes? But no matter how often fearful thoughts might strike, they are no match for our “Fear-Less God” who tenderly guards our minds and hearts, and reassures us through Christ’s saving blood. Thank you so much for being here and relating so well to the words being shared. Blessings and love to you, too, dear friend! xoxo 💟
Such comfort in the knowing, Joy. Such peace in the loving safety of His heart. Thank you so very much. Praying for you.💖🙏🦋🌻🐝. Jenny
So succinctly and beautifully summed up, dear Jenny. There certainly is, sweet friend, on that we can rely, always. Thank you so much for your encouragement and prayers. I appreciate them more than you can imagine. xo 😊❤️🙏🏻🌸