By Alina Sopt
Phoenix, Arizona

God says “Do not fear” or something similar to that 365 times in the Bible. That’s enough to keep our hearts still each day of the year. Amidst all the chaos around you, it is easy to lose hope and optimism. Though Christians overall feel less afraid than the general population, we can still have some demanding, paralyzing fears. However, God expects us to trust Him even though those fears may seem like giants. When fear strikes, just pick up the Bible, read one of your favorite passages, and rest in knowing God is with you and will never leave you.

Afraid of death? Jesus killed it. Afraid of diseases? God is the best physician. He proved it through Christ’s miraculous healings. Plus, God gave wisdom to doctors today to treat you like no other age has had. Afraid that you won’t have enough money for your family? Jesus said God provides even for the birds, who do not work and toil like us. If He provides for little birds, then how much more so would He provide for you?

Put your trust in the mighty God who created all seen and unseen, and He will guide you through the storm.

One of my favorite poems is Mary Stevenson’s “Footprints in the Sand.” In her dream she laments to God that she felt alone during her hardship and questions His paternal character. But in the end, when God finally spoke, He settled all fears and offenses with a short and very popular phrase. If you are suffering from fear at the moment, let these words comfort you. You are not alone because Jesus is with you. He will lead you through the dark valley all the way to the other side. Until then, He might have to carry you. “The Lord replied, ‘The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you.’”