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Psalm 115:11 ESV Context

Before verse 1 in Psalm 115, we see the line “To Your Name Give Glory.” That’s what this psalm is all about giving glory to God! The psalmist discusses pagan gods—or idols—and reminds us that, unlike those gods, our God works, speaks, listens, and feels. As such, he is the living God and is worthy of all glory.

Psalm 115:11 ESV Meaning

This verse has a clear command: “Trust in the LORD.” Trusting in him requires more than simply telling him you trust him or thinking that you trust him. To trust in God, you have to submit to him.

What are you trusting him with if you don’t give your life and its circumstances over to him? It’s easy to “trust” in God when you have control of your situation, but it’s a lot harder when you let go and let him take the reins.

This verse also has a clear promise: “He is [your] help and [your] shield.” When you fear the Lord and put your trust in him, he promises to be your help.

You won’t enter into a relationship with God that lacks follow-through. Your prayers will not fall on deaf ears.

In contrast with the pagan gods, God listens to all that you cry out, and he will be your help.

God will also be your shield, but you have to let him protect you. Be reminded of God’s kindness in this verse. All you have to do is trust him and let him work.

Psalm 115:11 ESV Application

What is something that you’re clinging on to and can submit to the Lord? Maybe it’s something you’re grieving or fearing. No matter what it is, it may be causing you to be anxious.

Write down your worry in a notebook or on a scrap piece of paper. Circle it, and label that circle God. Pray that God will give you his help with your worries and that he will be your shield from pain and anxiety.

Tell God your worry and give it over to him. Have peace in knowing his promise: to be your help and your shield.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:13 Context

The Book of Romans is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the Christians living in Rome. Scholars believe he wrote it from Corinth and had never visited Rome up to that point.

The main reason for the letter was to give the new believers there a clear understanding of the basics of the Christian faith, the gospel, and the Christian’s identity and responsibilities in Christ.

Romans 10:13 Meaning

This chapter of Romans begins with Paul sharing his heart for his own people—the Jews. This is a remarkable thing, considering how ruthlessly they’ve been persecuting him.

Paul commends them for their zeal for God but says they don’t know the true way to approach him. They believe it’s through righteousness, but it is in fact through faith.

Paul paints a wonderful word picture to help his readers understand, saying that it isn’t about us trying to “ascend to heaven” to bring Christ down.

No, he’s already here among us! This is a beautiful picture of God’s grace. It’s not our religious efforts or obedience that will bring us to God, but rather Christ’s efforts and obedience.

So what, then, separates those who are in a relationship with God and those who aren’t? Faith. The passage goes on to describe what this looks like.

In a nutshell, the kind of faith that saves is the kind of faith that asks to be saved.

This brings us to our key verse: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

How much faith does it take to be saved? Just enough to ask the Lord. This is a promise for everyone. This is indeed good news.

Romans 10:13 Application

If you don’t already have a relationship with God, call on Christ today! But calling on the name of the Lord is not only for salvation. We who are in God’s family can continue to call on him for all our needs.

As verse 12 of this chapter says, “The same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.” Continue calling on him daily and he will bless you richly.

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 NASB Context

The Israelites, God’s people, are in exile because of their long history of willful sin against God and one another.

And because they didn’t heed his years of warnings to repent and avoid this painful consequence. And yet, he gives them this comforting message.

Isaiah 41:10 NASB Meaning

In the immediate context, God was speaking to the Israelites, but he speaks to us today through this passage too. He tells us where we can find assurance when we are afraid: in his presence.

Even when we are far from everything comfortable or normal, even when it seems we have every reason to fear, we can rest in his powerful presence, his strength, his tender love, his promise to uphold us.

And he always keeps his promises. Even when we, like the Israelites, are in a mess of our own making, he is with us. In the previous verse.

He doesn’t wait until we have it all together. He reaches into our uncertainty, even our sometimes-crippling anxiety, and steadies us, reminding us that he’s near, that he sees.

He shows how well he knows our tendencies when he says, “Do not be afraid.” Focusing on the unknown only adds to our fears. Remembering God’s goodness and meditating on his character brings fresh perspective, peace, and courage.

He doesn’t tell us not to be afraid because nothing bad will ever happen; he tells us not to be afraid because he is with us.

Joy holds on to hope in uncertainty because of a deep-seated assurance that God will make all things right in the end.

How incredibly forgiving and merciful God is to give such a message of hope to the Israelites in exile. How generous he is to reach out to us even when we push him away.

Isaiah 41:10 NASB Application

Take a few minutes to soak in the mystery of God’s mercy and love. Think back on how he has comforted and helped you in times of anxiety.

Start keeping a record of those God moments. You can refer back to this record daily or whenever you feel afraid, to remind yourself of his love and nearness.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1 Context

The psalms are songs full of deep emotion and can serve as a helpful guide as we pour out our own fears, distress, and praise before God.

Psalm 46 is near the beginning of book 2 of Psalms, which introduces the sons of Korah, and has many songs of lament and distress, but also has a firm reliance on God’s faithfulness.

There are many types of psalms; this particular one is a song of confidence in God’s power and delivering hand.

Psalm 46:1 Meaning

Sets up the idea that God is our refuge in times of trouble; the following verses expound on the “trouble.” So then, when looking at this verse, it is important to also look at the two verses that follow:

“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

It does not say that God’s help means bad things won’t happen. On the contrary, these verses paint a vivid picture of a world full of upheaval and strife.

In the Ancient Near East, the sea was considered a terrifying thing. It was unpredictable. It could kill you in an instant.

So the image of the sea roaring and foaming and sucking even the mighty mountains into its depths must have been a very powerful image.

And yet, the authors declare, “We will not fear.” Why will we not fear? Because of verse 1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Notice the psalm says, “God is . . . our strength.” It is not we who are strong in the face of loss or fear, but God who is strong on our behalf.

And he is not far away but “ever-present.” He is our help. He is our safe place. He is our strength.

Psalm 46:1 Application

Next time you feel yourself getting overwhelmed by anxiety, remember the truths of Psalm 46:1. Remind yourself that you don’t need to fear because God is right here with you.

He is the only true shelter in a world thrown into chaos. He is your help in times of trouble.

As we saw before, the Psalms were written as songs where the authors poured out their hearts to God, and we can use them as guides for our own prayers.

If you are having trouble clinging to the promise of Psalm 46:1, you can try praying it, with something like, “God, I am afraid. It feels like the earth is giving way beneath me.

I know you said you are an ever-present help in trouble, so please help me now. Help me to take refuge in you.

Help me to stop trying to be strong and trust in your strength instead. Help me to feel your presence near me through all this.”

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT Context

Second Timothy is a letter written from the apostle Paul to Timothy. Paul knew Timothy well, as they traveled together for a time during his second missionary journey.

In the opening section of this letter, Paul is encouraging Timothy by reminding him of his family’s strong legacy of faith.

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT Meaning

Verse 7 expands on this encouragement. Paul is telling Timothy to be bold! To fan into flames the spiritual gift that God had given him.

While we aren’t told here what spiritual gift Timothy was given, we can be led to believe that Timothy may have been unsure or timid about it and was perhaps letting himself be ruled by fear.

Fear is a tool of the enemy that exists to keep us from advancing the kingdom of God. It distracts us from trusting him and instead tempts us to protect ourselves and rely on our own abilities.

Fear very well could have been holding Timothy back from preaching the Good News. But it is God whom he needed to depend on, and it is God that we need to depend on.

Because while Satan may taunt us with fear of looming dangers, God offers us power, unconditional love, and the ability to cultivate a calm, well-balanced mind (see the Amplified Bible translation).

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT Application

The devil loves it when we shrink back and hide because of fear. And he continually whispers lies to keep us in docile submission.

But God is not in fear. We need to recognize the things of God, rise up, and take hold of them! In those moments of fear, we need to think about what lies on the other side of our faith.

What kind of power might await us when we take our thoughts captive and turn them to Christ? There is no magic wand that makes fear disappear. Our enemy is strong.

But we have within ourselves, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the ability to shut down our fears and claim God’s power.

When fears rise up, take them captive. Refuse to dwell on them. Instead, dwell on the character of God. God is light, and in him, there is no darkness.

He does not change like shifting shadows. He shields all who take refuge in him and is full of compassion. Practice this today and watch as his power overtakes the fears of the enemy.

“The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

Exodus 14:14 Context

One of the five books of the law in the Bible, Exodus continues where Genesis leaves off. In this book, God frees the Israelites from four hundred years of forced labor in Egypt.

The angel of the Lord then joins the Israelites on their journey to the Holy Land, which is led by Moses.

During this time, God makes a covenant with his people and gives Moses the Ten Commandments while atop Mount Sinai.

Exodus 14:14 Meaning

As the Egyptians pursued the Israelites in the wilderness, God told Moses, “I will harden Pharaoh’s heart,” making the Israelites’ fight for freedom even more challenging.

They begin questioning why Moses ever led them out of Egypt, and their anxiety heightens when they realize that Pharaoh is close. Surely, they must have had it better in Egypt, right?

Wrong. The Israelites have yet to understand the goodness of the Lord because they are just coming to know him for the first time in over four hundred years.

What they don’t understand yet is that he has been with them all this time. He knows what they’ve experienced. He knows their sins. And yet, he loves them because they are his people.

So while Pharaoh may be getting close to the Israelites, God is closer and his plan for them is good.

What this means for you and me is that no matter what our circumstances, no matter how close our fears may be, the Lord and all his goodness is closer still.

When we don’t have the words because our worries are too loud, God will make much from our silence.

Exodus 14:14 Application

It’s hard to sit still and listen when anxiety is booming. Challenge yourself to find God’s voice through all the noise. Let him reveal the ways he’s been fighting for you, even if you think you’ve been fighting alone.

With patience, you will see that God’s fight for you reaches far and wide. His fight for you mimics his love for you; it is boundless, and it is forever.

You don’t have to ask God to battle on your behalf when you just can’t find the words—he’s already doing it.

As you start to see God’s work in your day-to-day, you will soon realize that your battle is already won.

This won’t wash away the worry and is certainly not a quick fix, but it should encourage you to fall on God when you just need his rest.

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful.

He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT Context

First Corinthians is a letter the apostle Paul wrote to Christians in Corinth, a major port city in Greece.

He wrote the letter to answer several questions posed by members of the Corinthian church.

He also addressed the rampant immorality of the city, which had influenced the Corinthian church as well. The Corinthian Christians faced many temptations.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT Meaning

In an attempt to comfort someone who’s suffering, well-meaning Christians will often say that God does not give us more than we can handle.

Meaning God will give us problems and temptations, but he wouldn’t give them to us if he knew that we weren’t strong enough to handle them.

But this is a misreading of the passage. James 1:13 says that God does not tempt anyone.

Take a close look and you’ll see what 1 Corinthians 10:13 says: Many others experience the same kinds of temptations and struggles.

But God will give us the strength we specifically need to face any trial or temptation that comes our way.

He will be faithful no matter what we’re going through, and he will see us through to the other side.

Notice also that Paul doesn’t say that temptation is wrong. Temptation itself is not a sin. We know this because even Jesus was tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1).

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT Application

Isn’t it comforting to know that other people experience the same kinds of temptations and struggles you’re experiencing? God hasn’t singled you out to make you suffer simply because he thinks you’re strong enough to handle it.

When you’re tempted or when you’re suffering, don’t blame God. He is not tempting you, testing you, or sending trouble your way.

Turn to him and ask for help. He’ll be faithful to you, walk alongside you, and show you the way out.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31 KJV Context

While the book of Isaiah encompasses many themes, including God’s holiness and judgment, the overarching message of this major prophet is salvation—fitting.

Since Isaiah means “the salvation of the Lord” and the book contains perhaps the clearest Old Testament articulations of the gospel.

After the prediction of the Babylonian exile in Isaiah 39, chapter 40 shifts to an emphasis on comforting Israel and providing the hope and encouragement people will need through the coming dark times.

Isaiah 40:31 KJV Meaning

In verse 31, the beautiful promise of the Lord’s sufficiency, of his ability and willingness to be the inexhaustible source of their strength, is made to those who rely on him.

People who wait for him will make it to the end. They will run but not tire, equipped to keep up the pace indefinitely; they will continue walking as long as required and will not be overcome by circumstances.

The choice of the eagle to illustrate is particularly apt because to complete any endurance challenge, unflagging strength—not speed or showmanship—is what’s needed.

So while there are birds that fly faster and soar higher than eagles, no other bird of prey is stronger or more powerful than certain eagle species, which have unmatched wing strength.

Isaiah 40:31 KJV Application

As we go through life, whether in a smooth patch or a rough one, it can be tempting to try to make our own way, to handle things ourselves, and expect God to bless these self-directed efforts.

But that approach is contrary to his instructions. We are to trust in God and his ways, not devise our own solutions with our limited perspective and finite resources.

When we trust the Lord and wait on him, seek him in prayer, and search his Word, allowing him to move in our circumstances instead of trying to wrest control, we are supplied with his sustaining strength.

If, however, we act as the youth and young men in the preceding verse 30, we can expect to grow weary and faint, to utterly fail.

Why? Because we are trusting in our own strengths and abilities, which ultimately prove insufficient.

It isn’t always easy to wait, but if we can discipline ourselves to do so, we will soar, knowing that it is the Lord who keeps us aloft.

“Lord, my every desire is in front of you; my sighing is not hidden from you.”

Psalm 38:9 CSB Context

This psalm is credited to David, the shepherd-turned-king of Israel whose story and writings are so prevalent in the Bible.

It’s unclear at what point in David’s life he wrote this psalm, in which he confesses the “foolishness” of an unnamed sin, and even states, “I am anxious because of my sin” (38:18 CSB).

Fearing God will abandon him, David pleads with God to stay near and help him in his time of need.

Psalm 38:9 CSB Meaning

It is thought that David composed about half of the psalms. Read just a few of these songs and you can’t miss the depth of his emotions to and about God.

Throughout Psalm 38, David expresses the torment he feels because of his sin and asks God not to punish him in anger (v. 1).

“My insides are full of burning pain . . .” he writes, “[and] I am faint and severely crushed” (vv. 7–8).

And yet, despite David’s anguish and fear, he knows God’s power and love:

What a remarkable example for all of us. No matter the circumstances of our anguish—self-inflicted or not—God knows what we’re going through.

He knows our healthy and unhealthy desires. And if we can’t or won’t call out to God, he hears even our sighs.

A bit later in the psalm, David describes loved ones, including friends and relatives, standing back from his affliction (v. 11).

That can happen to us too. Sometimes people aren’t sure how to best help a person who is struggling.

We can’t forget, though, that God loves us and cares about what we’re going through.

Psalm 38:9 CSB Application

Although God can hear our sighs, we shouldn’t hold back from expressing deep emotions to him. Talk to him, sing to him, journal prayers to him.

Share what’s on your heart. Praise him for his love and faithfulness. Thank him for how he’s provided for you.

And when times are tough, let him know how you feel. After all, more than forty of the 150 Psalms are considered psalms of lament, expressing grief or sorrow.

You may also find comfort by reading through the book of Psalms and making certain ones your own prayers or songs.

It’s strangely reassuring that what we go through today is not very different from when David and other writers of Psalms lived. And the God they trusted is the same God we can trust.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 NASB Context

After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the people of Israel were all abuzz—God was finally leading them into the land he had promised them.

But it wouldn’t be easy. Israel’s enemies still occupied kingdoms and cities inside the promised land, and they weren’t leaving without a fight.

This book follows Israel and their leader, Joshua, as they trust God and come into their inheritance.

Joshua 1:9 NASB Meaning

After Moses’ passing, God chose Joshua to finally lead the Israelites into the land he had promised them decades before.

Joshua had seen God perform countless miracles in his life: parting the Red Sea, providing food from heaven, and even manifesting himself as a pillar of cloud and fire to lead the Israelites.

Even with his decades of military experience, Joshua still needed encouragement from God and others to continue walking in faith.

The phrase “be strong and courageous” appears five times in the book of Joshua: four instances directed to Joshua in chapter 1—three of them by God—and one to the Israelites.

In every instance, this command to “be strong and courageous” is surrounded by promises, reminders, and warnings.

In verse 6, God commands Joshua to “be strong and courageous” because God is going to fulfill his promise.

Joshua is not going to go out onto the battlefield without God’s strength and favor, and God is going to give the Israelites victory in conquering the promised land because he never reneges on his promises.

In verses 7 and 8, God connects being strong and courageous to faithfully following His Word.

Not believing in God’s Word nor taking it seriously had been the sin that forced the Israelites to wander in the wilderness for forty years.

But if Joshua follows God’s commands, rules, and promises, he will “have success wherever [he goes].” By contrast, the Israelites are warned that whoever doesn’t obey Joshua’s commands from God will be put to death (v. 18).

Joshua is encouraged to follow God boldly, knowing God will fulfill his promises and the Israelites will faithfully follow.

As a punch of a conclusion, God leaves Joshua with verse 9—a clear command to move in strength, live courageously, and believe above all else that “the LORD [his] God is with [him] wherever [he goes].”

Joshua 1:9 NASB Application

Like Joshua, God has called his people to follow him into the unknown. A new job or home, dating and marriage, facing past traumas and sins—sometimes what God calls us to seems too big, too impossible.

We begin to fear, question, drag our feet, or even walk away entirely, thinking we must not have heard him correctly.

God is not in the coddling business. He calls us from the shallow, calm waters of life into the deep end, because it’s only out of our depth that we must trust and rely on him completely.

It’s there, in the deep and the wild, that God fulfills his promises, our faith flourishes, and we grow closer to him.

This call to “be strong and courageous . . . not tremble or be dismayed” isn’t a flippant encouragement; it’s God’s command.

However our hearts may hurt or our knees wobble, we are commanded to move forward boldly and trustfully, one step at a time. Why?

Because “the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” And God fulfills his promises.

“You came near when I called you, and you said, ‘Do not fear.’”