'With him on my side I'm fearless'

Light, space, zest—
    that’s God!
So, with him on my side I’m fearless,
    afraid of no one and nothing.

-Psalm 27:1

Fear can be overwhelming. Fear of the unknown. Or, sometimes even worse, fear of the known.

A few days ago, I was reminded of this verse in Psalm, and especially like the rendering of it in The Message. Afraid, it says, of no one and nothing.

I admit that 16 years ago this month, fear was trying to overwhelm me. But with God's gifts of health professionals, family and friends, fear was defeated.

Will I ever fear again? That's a tall order for anyone. But when fear comes near, I'll take comfort from these words, knowing that God is with me and that God defeats fear. For everyone.

'God will be with you'

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

-Joshua 1:9

Strong words for the right time. Joshua had just taken charge after the death of Moses.

These words had to be reassuring for someone in a new position in life. Did a stroke leave you or a loved one in a new position in life? To this day, I stumble through words, especially in times of stress or fatigue.

But the words calm and re-energize: "... God will be with you where you go." Good words to consider and remember.