1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? – Psalm 27:1 (ESV)

I have a particular bent against worry and anxiety.  There was a point in my life when fear nearly consumed me.  Like the apostle Peter, the waves nearly pulled me under. 

But God didn’t let me drown.  He didn’t let anxiety get me.  He didn’t allow fear and worry to drag me the bottom of the depths.

Tonight, I sit here thinking about how many of my friends and loved ones are courageously facing cancer.  I think of those dealing with other illnesses, or family struggles, or money issues, or just general anxiety issues.

I know so many of you are hurting, uncertain about the future, mourning,  troubled, saddened, frightened…

This comes straight from my heart to you.  Trust in Jesus.  Trust in the Lord.  I know it may sound like a cliche, which is most unfortunate because faith is the answer.

How often do we struggle over the uncertainty of the future?  If only we knew what was going to happen, we could plan for it.  Save for it.  Brace ourselves for it.  Maybe somehow change – or even avoid – the situation altogether.

The simple fact is we cannot know with certainty what tomorrow will bring.  But we can put our trust wholly in The One Who does.  We can rest in Him and say, “No matter what happens, the Lord is with me.  He is my shield, my helper, my guide, my Father.  No matter what happens, He is beyond circumstances.  He is greater than anything I dread.  In Him I place my full faith.  Not in my limited intuition or intelligence.  Not in my ways.  Not in what others say.  My faith is in God, and He has the final say.  Period.”

Truly, we have nothing to fear.  Nothing past, present or future.  We are God’s and, no matter what, He has a plan.  He will gives us the strength to endure, the wisdom to enlighten, the direction to press on.  He will use us to bless others who face what we each face.

You are not alone.  You are not helpless.  You have a large community of fellow believers in Christ ready to embrace you.  Most of all, you have God.  He will never leave you.  He will not abandon you.  He may have you in a painful season to teach you something.  But, regardless, He is with you.

Can you think of a gift on earth more precious than that?