Like many of you, I begin my day with the television to see what has happened in the world over night. The news, this morning, was full of crime, disorder, natural disasters, and rumors of war—as it is every day. It’s no wonder anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults over the age of eighteen. The rest of us deal with simple fear and worry.

This wasn’t God’s plan. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us God didn’t create us for fear. He gave us a spirit of power and love and self-control.

That isn’t the only verse dealing our weakness for worry. I’m told there are 365 verses in the Bible commanding believers “Do not fear.” We could use a different verse to govern each day of the year. Or we could choose a few verses that touch our hearts, and remember those when fear threatens our well-being.

1. Read John 14:27. Jesus told His disciples “Don’t let your hearts be troubled and don’t be afraid.” He gave His peace. The peace of Christ is perfect and permanent. It can’t be taken away. It belongs to the Creator and Sustainer of the world.
   
   
2. I was a single mom for many years and spent hours worrying about raising my child. Would I have enough income to meet expenses? I read: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, what you will wear. Worry can’t add a single hour to your life. Seek His kingdom and His righteousness first, and all things will be given to you. (Matthew 6:25-34 and Luke 12:24-34)
   
   
3. I was often worried and anxious about things I couldn’t even name. I read: Don’t be anxious. In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. God’s peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds. (Philippians 4:6-7)
   
   
4. I was exhausted from carrying the responsibility of making life work. I read: Are you weary? Are you carrying a heavy load? Jesus says to come to Him and He will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28-30)
   
   
5. Jesus said He leaves His peace with me-His child. His peace is perfect—not the temporary peace of this world. He said “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” (John 14:27)
   
   
6. I am further encouraged to cast my cares on the Lord. He promises to sustain me and never let me be shaken. (Psalm 55:22)
   
   
7. When fear threatens to over-run me, I’m reminded to put my trust in the Lord. (Psalm 56:3)
   
   
8. God promised to never leave me and never forsake me. I am to be confident in saying “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” (Hebrews 13:5-6)
   
   
9. When I need a place to hide from life worries, Psalm 91:4 assures me that, like a mother bird, the Lord will cover me with his feathers. I will find refuge under His wings. He is faithful and will be my protection and rampart (a mound of earth surrounding a place of protection).

God has promised me peace of mind. He gave me His peace. But when the television or my friends have nothing but bad news, it is my choice to make that peace my own.

I will memorize or post His promises on the refrigerator, at my desk, in the car, wherever I need to remember them.

• Keep my eyes on the Lord. I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)
  
• I’ll remind myself, He is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress. I will not be shaken. ( Psalm 62:6)
  
• When I’m looking for help, I’ll remember my help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)
  
• I’ll remember God is my refuge and strength. He is an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
  
• I can memorize this one short verse to repeat in times of trouble. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 NIV

*All Bible verses, except the last, are paraphrased.