Turning to Scripture

What a God he is! How perfect in every way! All his promises prove true. He is a shield for everyone who hides behind him. For who is God except our Lord? Who but he is as a rock?

He fills me with strength and protects me wherever i go. He gives me the surefootedness of a mountain goat upon the crags. He leads me safely along the top of the cliffs. He prepares me for battle and gives me strength to draw an bow!

You have given me your salvation as my shield. Your right hand, O Lord, supports me; your gentleness has made me great. You have made wide steps beneath my feet so that I need never slip. Psalm 18: 30-36 (TLB)

Selina Machado lives in Blantyre, Malawi. Watching TV and spending time on social media were starting to have a negative effect on Selina. Everywhere she looked she seemed to find bad news - people infected by a disease, a recent earthquake, a shooting, people who had recently lost their lives. With each passing day, fear and worry began to creep into her mind. Eventually, Selina found it hard to leave her house. Her emotions were fluctuating, but she seemed to be heading more toward sadness.

Selina's "faith tank" was getting low, and she asked herself, What should I be giving my attention to instead? The one thing that helped her was listening to God's word. Day by day, Selina began spending more time studying scripture; she listened to sermons and teachings; she sang and danced along to worship music. Although Selina did not experience an instant change, she kept at it. The more she listened to God's word, the better she felt and the more confident she became. With time, the fear and heaviness left. Spending time in God's word can help move us beyond our fears and is always worthwhile.

Prayer: Merciful God, we thank you for your word, which builds us up and dispels our fear. Thank you for the loving protection you provide, in Jesus' name. Amen.