What do you do when things suddenly feel uncertain and you have more questions than answers? When life throws you a curve, it’s not time to panic—it’s time to step out in faith and let God fill you with His comfort and hope! In this 5-day devotional, Joyce Meyer teaches how to combat fear and receive God’s love, peace and encouragement during difficult times.
Joyce Meyer Ministries
Day 1
Scriptures: 1 John 4:18, Hebrews 13:5-6
I Will Not Fear!
There was a time in my life when I had more fears than I could count. I was always afraid the absolute worst would happen. I worried about our finances, our kids, the state of the world and what tomorrow would bring. As a result, I couldn’t enjoy my life or have the peace God wanted to give me.
Fear is one of the primary weapons Satan uses to keep us from moving forward and enjoying the good life God has for us. Especially when something negative happens, the enemy wants us to focus on all of the “what ifs” and fill our lives with worry and anxiety. He desires to pull our focus away from God’s love and faithfulness.
The Bible says, There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear… (1 John 4:18 NIV). Understanding God’s love is the antidote for fear! God wants us to know just how much He loves us and desires to help us.
When I think of my own children, especially when they were younger, there’s almost nothing I wouldn’t do to help them if they were in trouble. Or if someone tried to harm them, they’d better watch out…because no one gets between a mom and her kids!
If we feel this way about our children, then how do you think God feels about us? And unlike us, He has no limitations. Nothing is impossible with Him—He can help us in every situation, on every occasion.
Hebrews 13:5-6 (AMP) is one my favorite passages of Scripture. Just look at what God says about you: “…I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless, nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!
Remember, whatever you’re facing today, God is bigger than your worries, your problems and your fears. He knows every one of your needs before you ever have them, and He delights in taking care of you.
Pray: “God, when I am fearful, help me to focus on Your love and faithfulness. Especially during times of difficulty or uncertainty, fill my heart with Your peace and help me to place my trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
Day 2
Scriptures: Isaiah 43:2-3, Hebrews 13:5, Romans 8:38-39, Psalms 33:18, Romans 8:28
You Are Not Alone
When you’re going through difficult times, it’s so important to remember that God is right there with you, and you can trust Him to help you through it.
God never promised us a trouble-free life, but He does promise to never leave us or forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5). In the hard times, we can take comfort knowing that He loves us tremendously, He has His eye on us, and He is already working behind the scenes to help us (see Romans 8:38-39; Psalm 33:18).
I’ve also learned from experience that we can trust God to use these times for our benefit (see Romans 8:28). When everything seems uncertain and unstable, He helps us draw closer to Him and hang on to the rock of our salvation—Jesus Christ—who cannot be moved or shaken!
When we’re hit by life’s storms or experience things we don’t understand, that’s when we have to remember that God is always with us—no matter what we think or feel, and no matter what our circumstances look like.
Jesus is with you through every storm, and you are going to come out stronger on the other side. He’s the One Who loves you unconditionally, and He’s the One Who can turn your difficult times into something great.
And as you trust God through it all, He will give you something stable—He will give you more of Himself.
Pray: “God, I thank You for always being with me—in the good times and also when life gets difficult. Please help me to draw closer to You when life doesn’t make sense. I trust You, and I know that You will work everything out for My good. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
Day 3
Scriptures: Hebrews 11:1, Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 4:6, Psalms 23:6, Joshua 1:9, Ephesians 3:20
Overcome Fear with Faith
Fear can take many forms—worry, anxiety, panic or even dread. But it’s so important for us to get the upper hand on fear because it does not come from God.
Even when we face uncertainty or difficulties in life, God wants us to have faith that He is with us in the struggle and that He can do great things. He wants us to remain positive and full of hope!
Faith is the opposite of fear. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith allows us to believe that God is going to do something great even before it comes to pass. Faith enables us to believe things that may not make sense to our natural minds.
One of the main ways we release our faith is through what we say. So, even when it doesn’t look like good things are happening, it’s important to say what God’s Word says about our situation.
When you are going through a difficult time or find yourself expecting the worst, I encourage you to say things like:
“God has a great plan for my future, and I believe something good is going to happen today!” (See Jeremiah 29:11.)
“My future is bright, and I have nothing to worry about—God is taking care of me. The Lord’s goodness and mercy follow me every single day of my life!” (See Philippians 4:6; Psalm 23:6.)
“I don’t have to fear, because God is always with me.” (See Joshua 1:9.)
Living by faith doesn’t mean that we ignore our circumstances, but it means that we choose to focus on God and believe that He is greater than anything we are going through (see Ephesians 3:20).
Pray: “God, thank You for watching over every detail of my life. When things are uncertain, help me to believe Your Word more than my doubts and fears. Help me to speak words of faith and say what You say about my situation. I know that You are greater than my fears and You have good things planned for my future. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
Day 4
Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 8:35-39, Philippians 4:13, Psalms 16:8
This Too Shall Pass
Sometimes, when we’re going through a difficult season, we don’t think we can make it through. But God promises us in His Word that He will never allow more to come on us than we can bear as we rely on Him (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).
Second Corinthians 12:9 says that His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses. This means when we go through hard times, God wants to show Himself strong through us.
In our family, when difficult things are happening, we like to say, “This too shall pass.” It’s an important reminder that it won’t last forever.
The truth is, getting upset about our problems never changes them. However, I’ve learned that choosing to adopt a positive attitude can make a difference. When bad things happen or we’re uncertain about the future, it can be even tougher to think and say things that are positive. But it’s helpful to remember that things will change…a new season is right around the corner.
When I am in the midst of a difficult time, I choose to dwell on passages like Romans 8:35-39. I remind myself that God loves me no matter how difficult life is at the moment. I focus my thoughts on His strength and ability to pull me through any situation. As I do, I can sense faith rising up inside of me.
During tough times, it’s easy to think, I can’t do this—it’s just too hard. Watch for that type of thinking. Then, when you recognize it, replace it with a God-inspired thought like:
I can do whatever I need to do because God is with me. This too shall pass. (See Philippians 4:13; Psalm 16:8.)
Pray: “God, thank You for the strength to make it through this season. I know You are with me and it won’t last forever. Help me to choose faith-filled thoughts and attitudes that will bring peace to the situation and remind me that You have good things in store for the future. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
Day 5
Scriptures: Philippians 4:6-7, Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 4:6, Matthew 11:28
Peace in the Midst of the Storm
When life feels overwhelming, there’s only one place we can go for true, lasting peace—Jesus Christ. He is the “Prince of Peace” (see Isaiah 9:6) and the Bible says He’s our shelter in the storm. (see Isaiah 4:6).
I used to think that the way to have peace was to get rid of all my problems. It was a wonderful day when the Lord helped me realize that I could come to Him for peace in the midst of my problems.
It reminds me of the old hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” This is what the refrain says:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of the earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
You see, when we take our cares and worries to God and spend time with Him, we magnify Him or make Him “bigger” in our eyes. When we do, all of our problems and concerns suddenly look smaller. Compared to God, they grow dim and insignificant.
Your problems may be big, and they are not insignificant to God. But when you keep your eyes on Him, He gives you perspective.
I love Matthew 11:28 (NIV). Jesus says, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
When we “come to Him”—when we read God’s Word, sing a song of worship or just sit and tell Him how good He is—He takes all of our worry, anxiety, fear and sadness and exchanges it with His peace, joy, hope and love.
When you feel worried and anxious, I know it’s easy to panic and allow fear to take over. That’s when you need to slow down, get still and focus on Jesus. He’s always with you, available any time of the day for you to cry out to Him for His supernatural peace.
Pray: “Father, right now I take a moment to come to You. Thank You for Your amazing love and how good You have been to me. Your strength, guidance and protection make all the difference in my life. Help me to always keep my eyes focused on You and receive Your supernatural peace and comfort. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”