Lord, when we fear what might happen, help us to exalt You. Remind us who You are, stir us to reverently worship You, and keep us in rightful awe of Your unchanging character.
This “fear of God” also soothes our fears as we walk into the scary things ahead. Why? Because You tell us that believers walk in union with Jesus, our Lord, our Savior, our God (Jn. 15:5; Gal. 2:20, 3:27; Col. 3:3; 1 Jn. 4:13). How we praise You for this, Lord, in the midst of trials in this anxiety-riddled and fallen world.
Worship Jesus over fear
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he,
Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.
(“A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” Luther, M., 1529, trans. 1852)
Jesus Christ, Lord of lords and King of kings, You have all authority over all. We praise You, unchanging God, Alpha and Omega (Rev. 22:12-13)! You are Lord Sabaoth, the Lord of angelic armies (Rev. 19:11-20)!
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Who determined its measurements…Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place…Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, that a flood of waters may cover you? (Job 38:4, 5, 12, 34 ESV)
Worship God for His great plans and purposes, over fear
Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases (Ps. 115:3 ESV).
Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose” (Is. 46:10 ESV).
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Rom. 8:28 ESV, emphasis added).
Lord, thank You for prayer journals that help us remember what You’ve done before, helping us to see how You’ve already worked some “hard things” of “all” together for good.
In my old prayer journals, writing into continually scary moments of suddenly going blind, collapsing into unconsciousness, randomly unable to walk for hours at a time, a digestive system shutting down, and my heart often unable to pump blood…all while caring for our home and children in continually excruciating pain, I see this…
Sovereign and reigning Lord, show me how to pray. We are so scared. We need You, Your perfect guidance and wisdom. I know You can make anything happen by Your power.
God, worshiping You for who You are, revealed to us in Your Word, was Your great gift over my fears then. It still is, walking through fear-full moments now. Thank You.
No matter what might happen, trust God over fear
Father, I see that while still undiagnosed after many years of this, with treatments that didn’t help, I prayed:
I just want to cry. I can hardly sit with You. I can’t read Your Word or write anymore. I can’t think. I keep going blind. I keep losing consciousness. I need Your power over my illness.
Take it over so I can sustain any tasks and life that You will for me, for Your glory. Help me to be satisfied, rejoicing in all things.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also.
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever.
Forever. Your kingdom. Eternal things, not things of this world.
Please keep me and each dear one who reads this in a kingdom focus, with hope in our King.
No matter what happens in our earthly lives, we know You have good kingdom purposes for it. We know that You’re always at work, building Your kingdom, preparing the bride of Jesus Christ. Transforming us as Your beloved.
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day (2 Cor. 4:16 ESV).
Praising God, producing rest in Your sovereign love and care for me
I once prayed,
Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You are so awesome, so powerful, and all-knowing! Thank you for the rain, the birds, sleep, toys, and supportive friends to run errands. Continue Your work in me. With all these meds, please make this body whole physically. Help me to be patient. You know the right drug, the proper treatment, the whole story. You are the sovereign One who reigns, bringing about Your perfect purpose and plan.
You were my Helper then…and You are my Helper now. You are our Helper, Holy Spirit, helping each believer who reads this.
Our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
That Word above all earthly pow’rs,
no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
We praise You, we “fear You,” in humbled reverence and awe of Your holy and majestic glory. We can rest in what You are doing, Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ in Whom we abide today and forever, amen.
Material adapted from Singing the Gospel to Job: Finding Hope in Suffering, Lauri A. Hogle, Copyright © 2022
Resources to fear God in worship and praise, when we’re afraid
I’ve learned through it all—we must fear God, into our fears of suffering. So, this week’s gospel-centered, Christ-exalting playlist gift is one I made before facing this week’s scary trial. It’s another music-therapy-inspired playlist to sing through, when anxiety hits. I knew I needed it in order to face fears…it’s a delight to share it with you as one of the resources for my sisters in Christ who are also suffering right now. See below if you would like resources to praise, fear, and trust God, “into” your fears too.
For weekly prayer and Christ-exalting playlist of Scriptural songs to sing, sign up here:
To hear Scripture with calming hymn playing, click here for YouTube podcast
Devotional Bible study prayer journals, available here. Click picture to read description.
