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What were they thinking? The Israelites had God on their side. They had food showered from heaven. And they had no reason to doubt God’s protection against those awful Egyptians.

But as they shuffled through the desert, were they grateful? Not really. check out how they invited anxiety through their reactions:

As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert! (Exodus 10:13)

With ungrateful hearts, they complained, ranted about their misfortune. And even looked for reassurance everywhere else but to God.

Can we blame them?

We do the same thing. But That’s because we forgot we have a choice.

When the Egyptians of fear and anxiety chase us, we can choose either to turn to pitiful victims as the Israelites, or stand firm, face the enemy, put on the belt of truth and use the sword of the Word of God (Ephesians 6:10). Each of these four decisions takes us closer to defeat the enemy of anxiety.

1. Choose not to dwell in the details of negative headlines or allow your nights to become restless because “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty and under his wings you will find refuge…” (Psalm 91:1,2 and 4)
2. Increase your trust in God when others fail you, break their promises or disappoint you, because, “The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.” (Psalm 145:14)
3. Rest assured His comfort is near you even when your world falls apart because “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.” (Psalm 145:18-19)
4. Believe God’s Word is actively alive, powerful and personally meant for you. His promises will prevail “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:6)

While shuffling through the desert of today’s distress, Moses words to the Israelites are refreshingly relevant: “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.’” (Exodus 14: 10-14)

God fought for them. He will fight for you too. And while He lifts you to freedom, you need only to be still.

In the stillness of each moment, calmness fills the soul. IN the calmness of our emotions, God’s hand is revealed. And in the quiet of the mind, the heart knows the victory.

Let’s Pray

Father, I confess sometimes I focus on the circumstance as the Israelites did. I praise You for knowing my weakness and providing the truth of Your Word to move forward. I shall put confidence in my steps and faith in my heart as I count on You removing my anxiety and replacing it with Your peace.

What weapons do you use to defeat anxiety?

Janet

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