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In my last post, I stated that I planned to post on Splashes of Encouragement less frequently, as I focused more on my book, Life, Faith, and Saltwater Taffy. Well, I have been working on the book. And it just so happens that I’ve been doing rewrites on a section about fear, worry, and anxiety.

While I was not writing specifically for the present situation, these topics are too relevant to just sit on my laptop, largely unseen, until the book is published. The tagline for this blog is “…because some days life requires courage”. We’re living some of those days. So, I’ll be sharing brief excerpts from this part of my book draft over the next days and weeks. It is my hope and prayer that my words—and more importantly, God’s Word—will bring comfort and courage to your hearts and lives.

Today’s excerpt begins with a true story:

I was in Israel, traveling with a small group. We were at Masada, the site of Herod’s winter palace, and a place he could escape to if under threat. It was also the scene of the dramatic last stand of the Jews against the Roman Empire. The topography is what allowed it to be both a place of escape and a rebel stronghold. Masada sits on the flat top of a rocky mesa, approximately 1500 feet above the Dead Sea. The original path to the top was called “The Snake Path.” As the name suggests, it was a treacherous climb.

One of the people in our tour group had Acrophobia, the fear of heights. She braved the gondola which now takes visitors most of the way up to the top, and we toured the ruins. However, as we headed back on the path along the sheer edge of the mesa towards where we could catch the gondola, fear gripped her. Finally, unable to summon the courage to take one more step, she froze, saying “I can’t.”

Leaving her there, crying on the edge of the cliff, was really not an option! Our guide went to where she was and stood beside her. He took his place on the outside edge of the path, partially blocking her view of the terrifying drop. He spoke reassuringly, and she could sense his calm confidence. He then walked with her, step-by-step, back to the gondola, which carried her to the security of the valley floor.

This is exactly what our God has promised his children. He doesn’t promise we will never be in frightening situations. But he promises to be with us. And the more we focus on his presence, the less we focus on what frightens us. 

Our Father and King gives this assurance: “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.” (Isaiah 41:10)

King David wrote, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you are with me;” (Psalm 23:4a)

King Jesus said to his disciples “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:20b)

My friends, remember— We may not be fearless, but as we learn to trust God, we can certainly fear less.

If these words provide any peace and encouragement to you, please pass them on. Invite others to join the community, share these posts onto your Facebook page, or copy them into an email.