I’ve had some giants in my life lately.
Decisions to make. New opportunities outside my comfort zone.
I’ve been afraid more than I like to admit. In fact, I feel a lot like the Israelites in the first chapter of Deuteronomy.
After 40 long years in the wilderness, Moses was reminiscing. He was reminding the Israelites of everything that had happened since their miraculous deliverance from Egypt.
Now they were close to the Promised Land, and this time (unlike the first time they got this far) they’d be allowed to go in.
But because they’d already spied on their enemies, God’s people knew there were giants waiting for them. Enemies mightier than they were.
So, Moses helped them combat their fears. He wanted to show them how to trust God even when you’re afraid.
He told them to remember “how the LORD your God carried you as a man carries his son all along the way you traveled until you reached this place” (Deuteronomy 1:31, HCSB).
God had been with them every step of the way. Even when they were unfaithful, God had never left them.
Did you get that?
God doesn’t leave us alone in our fears.
HOW TO TRUST GOD EVEN WHEN YOU’RE AFRAID
When I look back over my own life I see God’s steadfast presence and faithfulness. In the good times and the bad ones He’s been right beside me. He’s brought joy in the midst of sorrow and comfort in times of deep loneliness. He has guided my steps, changed my perspective, chastised my rebellion, and listened to my prayers.
There were times when I didn’t “feel” God’s nearness and sometimes I wondered why He didn’t seem to be doing anything. But looking back, I can clearly see that God was at work even though “Your footprints were unseen” (Psalm 77:19, HCSB).
Like a loving parent, the Lord has lifted me, held me, and sustained me in all the ways I’ve needed Him. No matter how scary, uncertain, or unbearable my circumstances have been, God has carried me through them.
Over and over He has slain the giants in my life, whether real or imagined.
So, how can I help but trust Him with the rest of my life?
God never discounted the Israelites’ fears. The giants were there. But God said through Moses, “Don’t be afraid or discouraged” (Deuteronomy 1:22). No matter what happened, God would take care of them.
The giants may be there. But there are no giants bigger than God Almighty. No matter where life takes us, God’s strong arms will carry, hold, and strengthen us all the way to the other side of our fears.
Even when we’re afraid, we can walk forward with confidence. A glance back will always reassure us that God is and always has been faithful. That’s how we can trust God even when we’re afraid.
You can find a printable copy of the Bible verses listed below along with other downloadable items in my free Resource Library!
BIBLE VERSES ABOUT TRUSTING GOD
Those who know Your name trust in You because You have not abandoned those who seek You, Yahweh. (Psalm 9:10)
But I trust in You, LORD; I say, “You are my God.” (Psalm 31:14)
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act. (Psalm 37:5)
But I am like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God; I trust in God’s faithful love forever and ever. (Psalm 52:8)
When I am afraid, I will trust in You. (Psalm 56:3)
in God I trust; I will not fear. What can man do to me? (Psalm 56:11)
But I will sing of Your strength and will joyfully proclaim Your faithful love in the morning. For You have been a stronghold for me, a refuge in my day of trouble. (Psalm 59:16)
Your way went through the sea and Your path through the great waters, but Your footprints were unseen. (Psalm 77:19)
I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:2)
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. (Psalm 118:8)
Let me experience Your faithful love in the morning, for I trust in You. Reveal to me the way I should go because I long for You. (Psalm 143:8)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
Trust in the LORD forever, because in Yah, the LORD, is an everlasting rock! (Isaiah 26:4)
but those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
(All Bible verses are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible translation
