Do not fear, I am with you!

Fear is a crippling emotion. Although we may feel afraid at times, we should never let fear control us.

One of my favorite passages on overcoming fear is found in Joshua. God said: 
 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7 

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
The promise that God gave Joshua that day is no less true for us now. There is no need for fear when we lean on the powerful presence of the Lord.

God, help us to have courage!
(Is. 41:10-13)
10 "So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. 
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."...
13 "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."
The Lord told Joshua to faithfully meditate on and obey the Scriptures (Josh. 1:8-9).

As I meditate on the Lord and observe His work all around us, problems seem smaller and more manageable. Every challenge is achievable in the presence of our 
holy, 
all-powerful, 
and awesome God. 
We need to take our eyes off circumstances and turn them toward our great Defender and Deliverer. The heavenly Father has all things under control--
there is no need to be afraid.