“Do not be afraid.”

“Be strong and courageous.”

“…For the Lord your God is with you.”

I read these phrases during my quiet time more than once this week. God reminds his people not to fear all the time. We see it on pages in the Old Testament and throughout the New Testament. I’m not sure how many times it is repeated, but it is comforting to read and know others struggle and forget how great and mighty God can be.

What is there to fear? God is with us.

But I don’t always listen to God. My fears can grow louder than the voice of Truth.

The question is — do I feed my fear or do I fight for my faith?

Over the years, I’ve struggled with worries about the future, the unknown before me. When I was around 13, I could not go to sleep one night. I lay there with the weight of worry to the point of tears. I don’t remember if I called for my parents or they heard me crying, but we briefly chatted and I told them I was scared about the future and didn’t know what I’d do if they weren’t here.

For anyone with a physical disability, this can be a huge anxiety. I don’t remember what was said that night, but I was comforted and eventually went to sleep.

I can still worry. I have my anxious moments and days. I’m dependent on my parents and others for just about every task of daily living — from getting out of bed to walking around the house to eating my meals, I need help.

But at the same time, I’m dependent on God my Father. I have to rely on Him and keep trusting my faith and His strength are bigger than any fears.

I’m joining the Five Minute Friday community again to write on the word “Fear”.