SAINT SHARBEL MAKHLŪF, PRIEST (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

Fear not! Stand your ground. . . . The Lord himself will fight for you. 

Of course the people were terrified! The wrath and power of Pharaoh’s army were bearing down on them. But look at the antidote to fear that Moses offers: simply to stand firm and be still. Not because there’s any special power in stillness, but because there is a God who loves and cares for you. So stand firm; look to the Lord so that fear won’t overwhelm you.

Stand firm. That’s easy to do when things are going well. But when you are feeling confused or afraid, you might need some extra help. So here’s one strategy that has proven effective: lean into the word of God.

Try memorizing a Scripture passage that strikes at the root of whatever makes you most fearful. Recall it. Repeat it. Preach it to yourself. Resolve to hold onto it when fear threatens. And if you can’t think of a passage, you might find one of these helpful:

• The Lord himself will fight for you. (Exodus 14:14)

• Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act. (Psalm 37:5)

• I will never forget you. (Isaiah 49:15)

No matter which passage you choose, let it remind you that your heavenly Father cares for you. Let it tell you that he has a plan for how he will defend you. Let it encourage you to move forward. Remember: at the word of the Lord, the children of Israel passed through the Red Sea while the source of their fear was swallowed up. The same can happen for you when fear strikes—not because you are fearless, but because God himself is giving you the strength to take the next step. So look to him, trust in him, and cling to his word—even when all you can see are swirling seas.

Recalling truths from Scripture can help you become aware of God’s presence in every situation. It can calm your heart and bring you peace. When your mind is steadied on the Lord, you will be able to know what to do. And in the stillness of his peace, the Lord himself will fight for you.

“Jesus, calm my heart when I am afraid. Help me to stand firm in your peace, knowing that you are at my side.”

Exodus 14:5-18
(Psalm) Exodus 15:1-6
Matthew 12:38-42