Learning to Live in the Peace that Passes All (EVEN MY) Understanding

So, in the Fall of 2013, I gathered the verses below when faced with fear so thick I thought I’d suffocate. Yes, I even titled them with this same awkward title and inserted/used ALL CAPS on certain words/phrases. I needed emphasis and was trying to “preach” to myself. LOL. Anyway, I printed them and took them with me everywhere I went and they became my oxygen for a solid year (or more, honestly). The minute any fear started to well up, I’d begin to read. It didn’t really matter where I was either. I was desperate for relief. It was, in a very real sense, the way I “fought” back at all the lies hell bent on holding me bound and shouting everything was NOT going to be okay in my life. And, today, over six years later, I’m grateful to be sitting here, during a time of massive uncertainty (which, let’s face it, life is always uncertain) and much fear, still resting on these verses, simply because back then I learned that our God IS good and will ALWAYS be faithful to keep His promises.

Friends, there are many voices out there begging for your attention right now, but I’ll tell you a what… Only One Voice holds your heart in His hands and can bring peace to your soul. Let me also leave you with a favorite blessing my favorite pastor always left us with:

“The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

Be brave. Be free. Be redeemed.

Renewing my mind

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; FEAR the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones.” (Prov 3:5-8)

“The FEAR of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.”  (Psalm 111:10)

“For God has not given us a spirit of FEAR, but of power, love and a sound mind.” (2 Tim 1:7)

“The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who FEAR Him and He delivers them.”  (Psalm 34:7)

“So don’t be AFRAID, you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matt 10:31)

“Serve only the Lord your God and FEAR Him alone. Obey HIS commands, listen to HIS voice, and cling to HIM.” (Deuteronomy 13:4)

“I am leaving you with a gift – PEACE of mind and heart. And the PEACE I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be TROUBLED or AFRAID.”  (John 14:27)

“This is my command – be strong and courageous! DO NOT be AFRAID or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh 1:9)

“There is no FEAR in love. But, perfect love drives out FEAR, because FEAR has to do with punishment. The ONE WHO FEARS IS NOT [yet!] BEEN MADE PERFECT IN LOVE.” (1 John 4:18)

“When I am AFRAID I put my trust in You.”  (Psalm 56:3)

“They [the righteous in Christ] will have no FEAR of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no FEAR; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.” (Psalm 112:7-8)

“Do not tremble; do not be AFRAID. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses – is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock – not one!”  (Isaiah 44:8)

“FEAR of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.” (Prov 19:23)

“Don’t be AFRAID,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your FEAR of Him will keep you from sinning.” (Exodus 20:20)

“You must always act in the FEAR of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart.” (2 Chron 19:9)

“But the Lord watches over those who FEAR Him, those who rely on His unfailing love.”  (Psalm 33:18)

“I prayed to the Lord and He answered me. He FREED me from ALL MY FEARS.” (Psalm 34:4)

“FEAR the Lord, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need.”   (Psalm 34:9)

“FEAR of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.” (Prov 19:23)

“He will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. The FEAR of the Lord will be your treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6)

“Say to those with FEARFUL hearts, “Be strong and do not FEAR, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.” (Isaiah 35:4)

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your FEARS. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

“We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without FEAR, in holiness and righteousness as long as we live.” (Luke 1:74-75)

“Do not FEAR, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

“Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe.” (Hebrews 12:28)

“FEAR God… Give glory to Him…”  (Revelation 14:7)

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will FEAR no evil, for You are with me.”  (Psalm 23:4)

“Do not be AFRAID of them; the Lord your God Himself will fight for you.”  (Deuteronomy 3:22)

“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)

“Jesus told them, “Don’t be AFRAID; just believe.” (Mark 5:36)

“You did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to FEAR, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” (Rom 8:15)

“FEAR not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you; when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, you Savior.” (Isaiah 43:1-3)

“I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.”  (Ps 73:23-24)

“The God of peace will soon crush satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” (Rom 16:20)

“My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; (HUMBLE yourself, then cast your cares!)  I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But, I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.  Israel, (Your Name) put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 131)    

“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be AFRAID of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.” (Psalm 91:4-8)

“For this is what the LORD has spoken to me with a strong hand, instructing me not to walk in the way of this people: ‘Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded…’ ” (Isaiah 8:11-13)