Be Strong And Courageous

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.” These words were spoken to Joshua at a moment of overwhelming responsibility. Moses was gone, the wilderness years were ending, and the Promised Land stood ahead, along with battles, uncertainty, and challenges far greater than Joshua could overcome in his own strength.

Notice God didn't tell Joshua to be strong because the path would be easy. He commanded courage because His presence would go with him.

Biblical courage isn't the absence of fear, but obedience in the presence of fear. It's choosing to trust God when the future is unclear, circumstances are overwhelming, and your own strength feels insufficient.

The Lion of Judah still goes before His people today. He remains sovereign over every battle, every uncertainty, every closed door, and every impossible situation in your life. Whatever lies in front of you today, remember the rest of the verse: “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Be strong and courageous.

- David Delfeld

Provided by "I Am With You Always"

Humility Cures Worldliness

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners;
and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep!
Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

James 4:7-10 (NKJV)

Although God and the Devil are at war, we don't have to wait until the end to see who will win. God has already defeated Satan (Revelation 12:10-12), and when Christ returns, the Devil and all he stands for will be eliminated forever (Revelation 20:10-15). Satan is here now, however, and he is trying to win us over to his evil cause. With the Holy Spirit's power, we can resist the Devil, and he will flee from us.

~

Can you imagine Michael Jordan coming back to the bench talking about, “I could score a whole lot easier if I didn't have that other guy putting his hands up in my face all the time”?

Michael's coach would tell him, “Michael, if there were no opponent, it would be easy to score. We're paying you millions to score with that guy in your face.”

As Christians, we have an opponent in our face too. Whenever you decide to do something significant for God, Satan will show up, usually in the person of people like Sanballat and Tobiah (reference Nehemiah 2). Not everyone wants their culture transformed by the influence of godly people. It displeased these men that Nehemiah had come to seek the welfare of Israel. They took it upon themselves to stop him. See, Satan's job is to keep God's people from carrying out God's will.

By the way, this isn't just true for the big projects such as rebuilding a community. Satan's job is to destroy you and your family because he knows Christian families populated by committed Christians are the foundation to transforming society. So he spends day and night plotting your demise. Just like we have angels assigned to us, Satan has demons with our names and addresses on their “to do” lists.

That is why the Bible says, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). Do we need to fear Satan and his demons? No, not at all. We need to resist and overcome them in the power of Christ.

Nehemiah wasn't afraid of his adversaries, but neither did he take them lightly. For the rest of his rebuilding project and well beyond it, he kept a close eye on those characters.

But too many of us are like puppets on a string to Satan. All he has to do is yank our string a little, and we go where he tells us to go and get mad when he tells us to get mad. Once you understand what Satan is up to, you will get down on your knees and say, “Not today, Satan. Not me, not my marriage, not my family, not my community - because we are submitting ourselves to God.”

Stand firm for God and against Satan, and the Sanballats and Tobiahs of this world will melt like snowmen in summer.

Excerpts from: "Life Application Study Bible" by Tyndale House Publishers and "Time to Get Serious" by Tony Evans

Prayer: Conquering Fear

I sought the Lord, and He heard me,

And delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4 (NKJV)

You did it, Lord! You have conquered fear and I will never be held in its clutches again. As long as I am with you, I can face anything. I am brave. I am an overcomer. Fear will no longer dictate my life. And even if I have to remind myself of these truths, every moment of every day, I will no longer allow myself to be its victim.

When I stand in the midst of the unknown, faith will be the posture of my heart, even if my legs are shaking. Step by step I will walk into a life of freedom and never look back. I will trust you and release my concerns into your hands. Instead of fearing the challenges, I will thank you for them - they remind me to continually look to you.

I choose a life of victory, where you have full control. I won't be afraid of the things I don't understand. You are here. You are faithful. I am free!

Excerpt from "Prayers On Fire" by Brenna Stockman

Jesus Wants You To Know...

"Most of your fear stems from pondering bad things that could happen - leaving Me out of that imaginary scenario. This is a very harmful practice; it is also an exercise in unreality. Although your future stretches all the way into eternity, there is not even one second when I will be absent from you. . . Whenever your mind wanders into the future, make the effort to include Me in that imagery. See Me helping you, strengthening you, encouraging you. Instead of being intimidated by tough times ahead, view them as adventures that you and I together can handle."

"And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." - Deuteronomy 31:8 - "Jesus Lives" by Sarah Young

Finding Peace in the Storm To Carry You Through

“...Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

Mark 6:50b (NKJV)

My first time visiting the state of Georgia was before we had smartphones and instant weather reports. As I drove out to hike a mountain, local news warned of intermittent showers.

But after parking, I realized I’d forgotten my rain gear. Should I leave? The sun was shining. Armed with waterproof hiking boots and a baseball cap, I figured, I’ll be fine.

Hours later, as I trekked through thick woods, it started sprinkling. Then rain poured in sheets, coming down sideways. Storm clouds quickly moved in, darkening the sky. Gusts of wind howled. Claps of explosive thunder boomed as lightning discharged around me in ominous, intense flashes like strobe lights.

I was scared and disoriented. It got so dark I couldn’t see the trail well without a flashlight or a map. There I stood, cold and soaked through in the middle of a thunderstorm.

That’s how life’s “storms” often are too. Troubling circumstances happen suddenly. We feel helpless, unsure what to do - our world seemingly spinning out of control.

The truth is we aren’t in control. But God is.

Jesus stands in our confusion and whispers, Take My hand. I will carry you through. I am with you. I will be your peace.

Sometimes the only way out is letting Jesus take us through the storm - and finding that His peace will carry us better than any plan.

Once, Jesus was alone on a mountain praying after sending His disciples ahead of Him into the Sea of Galilee. They, too, met a storm (Mark 6:45-48). Why would Jesus send them on a journey knowing they’d encounter bad weather?

Jesus saw His friends straining at the oars, and He came to them: “Immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid’” (Mark 6:50b).

Peter attempted to walk to Jesus on the water but sank because he feared the wind’s strength. “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him,” Matthew 14:31 tells us (ESV). Then Jesus got into the boat, and the wind stopped.

Jesus is with us in every storm and calms us with His promises. He moves us from having “head knowledge” to personally experiencing the powerful peace of His presence. Because peace, after all, is a person.

God has a plan in the storms of life, but we don’t always know what it is. That’s the part that requires faith. Jesus offers His hand instead of a map.

Holding on to Him means letting go of Plan A, B, or C. You can take it one day at a time - and remember you’re not alone. Reach out for help, and surround yourself with friends to support you.

Jesus sees you. He is with you. And even if He doesn’t calm the winds, He will carry you through.

Dear Jesus, take my hand. Be my peace. Never let me go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Bonnie Gray
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

A Perfect Savior

The story of Jesus walking on water is often preached
as a lesson about having more faith.

Try harder.

Be braver.

Step out of the boat.

But when you slow down and really look at the story,
something deeper begins to appear.

This miracle is not primarily about Peter.

It is about Jesus.

The disciples were alone in the middle of a storm.
The wind was violent.
The waves were crashing against the boat.
These were experienced fishermen,
yet Scripture says they were terrified.

And here is something important many people miss.

They were in that storm because Jesus told them to get into the boat.

The storm was not proof God had abandoned them.

They were exactly where Jesus sent them.

Then in the middle of darkness and fear,
Jesus came walking toward them on the water.

Think about that.

The very thing threatening the disciples was beneath His feet.

The storm that felt overwhelming to them
was under complete authority to Him.

Jesus did not remove the waves before approaching them.

He walked on top of them.

And maybe that is one of the greatest revelations in the entire story.

Jesus is not intimidated by what terrifies you.

Fear caused the disciples to misinterpret His presence.
They thought He was a ghost. But immediately Jesus spoke.

“Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”

In the original language, His words echo the divine name of God Himself.

“I AM.”

The Weight That Holds Us Steady

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, ”

Hebrews 6:19a (NKJV)

Recently, my husband and I went on a cruise for our 25th anniversary. As we rested on the balcony, watching the waves go by, I caught myself imagining what would happen if the ocean decided to get unruly.

The ship would have no choice but to drop anchor. Then the waves may not stop, but they would lose their power to push us off course. We would be held steady by something heavy, strong, and unseen.

That image immediately reminded me of Hebrews 6:19a: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

If you think about it, anchors don’t get much credit. They’re covered beneath the waterline, doing the quiet work of keeping everything grounded. By definition, an anchor is a heavy object attached to a cable or chain and used to moor a ship, fixing it firmly and securely in one place. Without that secure attachment, a ship does not stay put. It drifts.

We tend to drift in our own way, don't we? With a few hard hits, disappointments we didn’t see coming, or unanswered prayers … our souls loosen their grip on God. It’s not that we stop believing in Him, but the waves of life wear us out.

Drifting never announces itself; it just happens quietly and slowly. On the ship’s deck that day, it was like I heard a whisper in my heart: Are you drifting?

God invited me to pause long enough to reflect on what my soul had attached itself to for stability and whether that mooring point was actually strong enough to hold me during life’s storms. I had to admit that after facing a series of personal setbacks, my faith was wavering. I felt disconnected and was drifting without direction.

As I searched the Scriptures, I also came across Psalm 62:5, and it hit me like holy correction: “Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him” (CSB). This truth recentered me and made me thankful for the hope I have in Christ, knowing my faith is secure in the God who is always faithful.

He is the One who holds us steady when circumstances feel unfair, unfinished, or overwhelming. Friend, when life is storm-tossed, when emotions get out of control, when fear or doubt shows up, when insecurity starts rearing its head, this is your reminder and mine: Hope in Christ.

We don’t get to escape the waves, but we do get to choose where we anchor. Christ is steady, trustworthy, and unshaken. Rest your weight there. He is strong enough to hold you.

Lord, when life feels unsteady, teach us to anchor our souls in You. Remind us that hope in Christ is stronger than any storm. Strengthen our faith, settle our fears, and keep us close. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Dr. Avril Occilien-Similien
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

Meme: In The Darkest Times Of Your Life...

In The Middle Of The Noise

When your mind will not slow down, it can feel exhausting in a way that is hard to explain. Your body might be still, but your thoughts keep moving. You try to rest, but your head fills with reminders, worries, conversations, plans, and fears. One thought leads to another and then another. Before you know it, you feel overwhelmed and worn out, even if you have not done anything yet.

You want to pray, but it feels hard to focus. You want peace, but your mind keeps running back to everything you need to do, everything you forgot to do, and everything you are trying to figure out. It can make you feel distant, distracted, and tired.

God understands what it feels like to carry a restless heart.

In Psalm 94:19 it says, “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” That verse does not pretend that the thoughts are not there. It says a multitude. A mind full. Thoughts layered on top of each other. And right in the middle of that, God’s comfort is still present.

You do not have to wait for your mind to be perfectly calm to come to God. You can come with all the noise. You can come with every anxious thought. You can come when you feel scattered.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Peace is not something you force. It is something God holds for you. When your thoughts start running in every direction, you can gently bring your attention back to Him again and again. Even if it lasts only a few seconds at a time.

2 Corinthians 10:5 says we can bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” That does not mean you will never have anxious thoughts. It means you are allowed to hand them over, one by one. Every fear. Every pressure. Every what if. You do not have to carry them all by yourself.

And in Philippians 4:7, there is this promise: “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Not peace that makes sense. Not peace that comes because everything is figured out. Peace that stands guard over your mind when it feels like too much.

If your mind will not stop racing, you are not failing. You are human. You are carrying a lot. And God is not standing far away waiting for you to get it together. God is near in the middle of it.

Even if your prayer is just a deep breath.

Even if your prayer is just, God help me.

Even if your thoughts are still loud.

God meets you there, in the middle of the noise, and holds you with a gentleness that does not rush you or shame you.

- Ellie Mont

Do Not Fear...

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’” That’s a direct promise from the God of the universe. In Isaiah 41:13, God isn’t shouting this order from a distance - He says that He literally takes hold of your right hand.

He's saying, “I’m stepping into your fight with you. Your courage won’t have to come from you alone.”

This is the exact opposite of the self-help message our culture preaches. The world says, “Dig deeper, find the power within, manifest your future.” Scripture says something far better: you don’t have to be your own savior.

The Christian life isn't bout pretending you’re fearless - it’s about knowing Who is holding on to you when you’re not. When God grips your hand, your weakness stops being a liability and becomes the stage where His strength is seen.

So when fear hits - about your future, your family, your finances, your faith - remember what’s actually true. If you belong to Christ, you're not walking into that doctor’s office, that classroom, that job interview, or that lonely night by yourself.

The Lord your God goes with you, His hand wrapped around yours, already committed: “Do not fear, I will help you.”

- David Delfeld

Provided by "I Am With You Always"

God Hasn’t Brought You This Far To Leave You

“Then I said to you, ‘Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.’”

Deuteronomy 1:29-31 (NIV)

A few years ago, not long after my husband passed away, I remember sitting alone in my living room surrounded by quiet. The house that once felt familiar suddenly felt foreign. My heart ached with questions about the future: How will I raise my kids alone? How will I keep moving forward when everything has changed?

In those tender months, I opened my Bible often, sometimes with trembling hands. Again and again, God brought me to passages like today’s - reminders that He goes before us, fights for us, and carries us when we can’t carry ourselves.

Life is full of joy, but it’s also unpredictable. And sometimes it’s scary. Throughout Scripture, we see God’s people learning to trust Him and step forward in faith even when fear lingered close behind.

That’s what was happening when Moses reminded the Israelites of God’s faithfulness in Deuteronomy 1:29-31. They stood on the edge of the land God had promised them, but fear made them hesitate. They wondered, What if God doesn’t come through this time?

I can relate to that. Maybe you can too. Even when I’ve seen God’s goodness with my own “very eyes” (Deuteronomy 1:30), fear still tries to convince me otherwise.

But God’s reminder to the ancient Israelites is the same one He offers us today: I am going before you. I will fight for you. You’ve seen Me do it before, and I’ll do it again.

Moses described God’s care this way: “The LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place” (Deuteronomy 1:31). Isn’t that beautiful? God had been carrying them the whole time. Every step, every detour, every delay - until they reached this place.

Fear often lives in the next place: the unknowns of next week, next year, or whatever lies ahead. But faith lives right here, in this place, where God has already proven Himself faithful.

When I look back, I can see how God has carried me through loss, waiting, and change I never expected. And if He’s carried me here, I can trust that He’ll carry me forward too.

Whatever you’re facing today, rest in knowing your God is near and good. The same God who brought you to this place will get you to the next, and He will never leave you.

Lord, thank You for carrying me in every season. When fear tries to take over, remind me that You go before me and fight for me. Help me rest in Your faithfulness right here, in this place. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

-  Ruth Schwenk
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

Real Spiritual Maturity...

"Real spiritual maturity is when you stop asking God to change your situation and start asking Him to change you."

Most of our prayers are really just complaints with "Amen" at the end. We tell God how bad the job is and how annoying the people are and we beg Him to fix it. We treat God like a personal assistant whose job is to clear the obstacles out of our path so we can be comfortable.

But comfort is not the goal of the Christian life. Conformity to Christ is the goal. And usually, we become like Christ not when things are easy, but when things are hard.

Real maturity happens when you stop trying to control the wind and you start adjusting your sails. You realize that the storm isn't actually the problem; your fear is the problem. The difficult person isn't the problem; your impatience is the problem. The waiting isn't the problem; your lack of trust is the problem.

When you switch your prayer from "God change it" to "God change me," the panic disappears. Because the situation might stay exactly the same, but you become different. You become stable. You become peaceful. You become unshakeable. And that is a greater miracle than the storm stopping.

...we also glory in our sufferings,

because we know that suffering produces perseverance...

Romans 5:3 Provided by "Divine Insight"

Taking Up The Shield Of Faith

Lord, I confess: sometimes the fiery darts hit close and my grip on faith shakes. But today, instead of shrinking back, I lift my shield. I remind my heart that these attacks aren’t proof I’m weak; they’re just proof the enemy sees my purpose. So I choose to speak Your truth over my fear. I choose prayer over panic. Even when the arrows keep falling, Your promises are my defense. Faith doesn’t mean I never feel the heat; it means I trust You even when I do. Help me stand firm, eyes on You, knowing every flaming arrow can be extinguished. Amen.

above all, taking the shield of faith with which
you will be able to quench all the fiery
darts of the wicked one.

Ephesians 6:16

Provided by "Word Of Encouragement"

I Wish Hope Felt Stronger

There are days I wish hope felt stronger: days when the weight just sits in my chest and every prayer sounds tired. But then, like a gentle brush of light, I remember: Hope isn’t something I fight for alone. It’s the quiet gift God places into my hands, even when I’m struggling to hold on.

Psalm 27:1 sings over every shadow: "The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear?" I confess I fear plenty. But God remains, unwavering. When the world feels heavy and dark, His presence glows soft around me, reminding me I haven’t slipped beyond His reach. In the smile of a child, in a moment of peace, I see His hope rising: again, and again.

You haven’t lost your chance for light. Let God’s hope settle back into your heart, right here, right now.

Provided by "Word Of Encouragement"

Lord, Silence my worries...

Lord, silence my worries so I can hear Your voice.

My mind is so loud with distraction and fear, and I long to hear You clearly.

Silence the noise within me, the anxious thoughts that spiral, the fears that shout, the doubts that whisper.

Teach me to be still in Your presence, to quiet my heart enough to listen for Your gentle whisper.

I confess I often fill the silence with my own plans and solutions, when what I really need is to hear Your wisdom and guidance.

Help me create space in my day to sit with You, to wait for You, to tune my ear to Your voice above all others.

Remind me that Your voice brings peace, not panic; clarity, not confusion; truth, not worry.

Give me the courage to trust what You say, even when it asks me to let go of my need to control.

Let me find rest in knowing that You speak to those who listen, and You guide those who wait on You.

Amen

- Provided by "Faithful Grace"

What To Do When Fear Fuels Our Suffering

“I said, ‘If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.’”

Psalm 55:6 (CSB)

Have you ever read something in Scripture and thought, Wow, this really resonates with me? Because that's exactly how I feel when reading Psalm 55:4-6:

“My heart shudders within me; terrors of death sweep over me. Fear and trembling grip me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, ‘If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest’”.

The raw honesty here is almost startling. David wasn’t sugarcoating or putting on a brave face. He said exactly how he felt when life was coming at him hard.

But here’s what I’ve learned and David discovered, too: Before we are able to fully process suffering, we often need to deal with the fear that’s fueling our suffering.

Fear has this terrible way of keeping us frozen in our pain. It’s like being stuck in quicksand; the more we struggle against it in our own strength, the deeper we sink. The harder we try to pull ourselves out, the faster we sink.

So what’s the first step out of fear? We have to get honest and name it.

David didn’t just say, “I’m scared” - he got specific. He identified his fears as coming from harsh words spoken against him, from people who acted wickedly, and from disaster and harassment caused by those determined to harm him (Psalm 55:3-4). And here’s the part that really stings: Some of this was coming from people he thought were friends (Psalm 55:12-14).

I have a suspicion we could all raise our hands right now, nodding along, saying, “I totally get it.” Betrayal by people we trusted, harsh criticism, feeling attacked or misunderstood - these experiences create fear that can paralyze us.

So how did David handle this? And how are we supposed to handle it when fear threatens to drown us? David said, “But I call to God, and the LORD will save me” (Psalm 55:16).

That little word “but” is doing some heavy lifting. It’s creating a contrast and inviting us into a marked moment. Everything before it was an honest acknowledgment of pain and fear. Everything that follows is a deliberate choice to turn toward God instead of remaining trapped in terror.

When fear is fueling your suffering, remember David’s progression. Be honest about what you’re feeling, name your specific fears, and then make the conscious choice to call out to God. He hears you. He sees what’s happening. He promises to sustain you through it.

You don’t have to fly like a dove to find rest. You just need to remember that the God who has been enthroned from long ago is still on His throne today, and He’s got you. You don’t need wings because God Himself lifts you and shelters you in His embrace.

Lord, when fear overwhelms me and I long to escape, help me remember You are my refuge. Give me the courage to name my fears and the faith to call out to You, trusting You will sustain me. Thank You for being my resting place. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Dr. Joel Muddamalle
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

Meme: Be Ruled By God's Word

God Is With You

You may not understand why the burdens press so hard or why the world seems louder than your prayers. Yet God sees every tear, He hears every sigh, and He is gently holding you in His presence. Let your mind rest on Him, not on the chaos around you, for He is your peace.

Do not measure your worth by what you accomplish or how others respond to you. God loves you simply because you are His. Bring Him your confusion and your doubts and let Him whisper truth into your heart. When you feel small and insignificant, remember that He is working through you in ways you cannot yet see.

Take a deep breath and feel His Spirit breathe life into your weary soul. God is your refuge, your comfort, your constant companion. When you feel alone, He is closer than your next heartbeat. Trust Him with the parts of yourself you are afraid to show. Let Him transform your fear into faith, your sorrow into hope, and your doubt into trust.

Rest in His love today. You do not need to rush to fix everything or make sense of all the pain. He is enough for every moment and He is enough for you. Walk slowly with Him, trusting that He is guiding your steps even when the path feels uncertain. Let your heart stay tender and open, for His presence is your true home.

Life has a way of wearing you down. The days are long and the nights can feel even longer when you lie awake wondering how things will ever change. Yet God’s presence is not measured by the brightness of your circumstances or the ease of your path. His nearness is not dependent on what you do or how much you accomplish. He is present in the ordinary, the mundane, the unnoticed moments. When you pour a cup of coffee, when you fold laundry, when you take a quiet walk outside, God is with you. When you feel invisible, when the world seems to pass by without notice, God is noticing. Every heartbeat, every breath, every tear is precious to Him.

You do not need to carry everything on your own. The world tells you to be strong, to hide your pain, to keep going no matter how heavy the weight feels. But God calls you to something different. He calls you to rest in Him. He calls you to come as you are, not as you think you should be. He calls you to trust Him with what you cannot fix and to surrender the parts of yourself that feel broken or unworthy. This is not weakness. It is courage. It takes courage to admit that you are not enough on your own to place your burdens in God’s hands and to allow Him to lead you through uncertainty.

Don't Let Fear Stop You

There is something powerful about choosing to keep going even when fear whispers what if you fail. We all face those moments when the path ahead feels uncertain, when doubt grows louder than faith, and when the weight of possible failure feels heavier than the promise of success. But God never called you to a life ruled by fear.

The truth is that courage is not the absence of fear, it is moving forward in spite of it. Think of Peter stepping out of the boat in the middle of a storm. He did not wait for the waves to calm before he trusted Jesus. He stepped out while the water was still wild because his eyes were on the One who never fails. And though he stumbled, Jesus did not let him sink.

God is not asking you to be fearless, He is asking you to be faithful. Even when your voice trembles, even when your knees shake, step out anyway. The same God who called you out onto the water is the One who will sustain you when it feels like you are about to drown.

When fear says you cannot, faith says God can. When failure threatens to define you, remember that the only true failure is never trying. Every time you take a step of faith, you are proving that God’s strength in you is greater than the fear around you.

So go ahead, try again. Dream again. Believe again. You might be scared, but you will not back down because you know who stands beside you. - Ellie Mont

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Believing God Is Protecting You

Sometimes faith asks us to trust in what we cannot see. Believing that God is protecting you is not always easy. Life can feel heavy, chaotic, and even frightening, and it’s natural to wonder if anyone is truly watching over you. But God’s protection is real, even when circumstances suggest otherwise.

To believe that God is protecting you is to rest in His presence, knowing that nothing escapes His notice. It means trusting that He is guarding your heart, mind, body, and spirit. Even in moments of uncertainty, God is creating a hedge around you, keeping harm at bay and guiding your steps. His protection may not always look like we expect. Sometimes it comes as closed doors, quiet redirection, or the subtle courage to endure trials.

Faith in God’s protection doesn’t remove challenges, but it changes how you face them. Instead of living in fear, you walk in the assurance that God is with you. You find peace in the storms, strength in weakness, and courage in the unknown. Trusting God’s protection is an act of surrender, choosing to believe His promises over your doubts.

When you feel vulnerable, remember the Scriptures: “The Lord will keep you from all harm; He will watch over your life” (Psalm 121:7). Let these words sink into your heart. Meditate on the ways God has been faithful before. Reflect on the unseen ways He shields, guides, and provides.

Believing God is protecting you is an ongoing choice. It is a declaration of faith in the midst of life’s uncertainties. It is a reminder that no matter what comes your way, God’s eyes are on you, His hands are holding you, and His heart is devoted to your safety and well-being.

Surrender your fears. Trust His timing. Rest in His care. You are never outside of His protection, and His love is unwavering.

- Ellie Mont