Remember how I mentioned the S.O.A.P. method of bible study? I’m surprised that’s not more of a trend right now, with soap hoarders hitting the stores, to stockpile hand sanitizer, large quantities of toilet paper, and antibacterial hand-soaps, in preparation for the possible upcoming quarantines due to COVID-19. In moments like this, it can be easy for society on a mass scale to panic, as the President of the United States, Donald Trump declared a state of emergency in the US, and allotted more authority and funding to FEMA, for emergency medical aid to combat the outbreak.
People everywhere are starting to feel the nagging ache of fear, and while some may be affected more than others, the frenzy their fear can incite, can also ignite sparks of fear within even more well composed people.
So, while I wasn’t in any way intending to share more on here about this scripture study journal journey we’re on at my church, I feel that today’s entry is too relevant to be passed over. The study is based around the LifeWay Journey women’s devotional, and is prepard months in advance. Everyone in our groups got their March copy late in February. This is how the Word of God can be used to communicate, and is always relevant and alive. I will not quote it in full due to copyright protection, but I will quote an excerpt I copied into my study Journal. These are my notes for today, copied from my own journal, so they will be different from what others may have taken from it.
Saturday, March 14th, 2020
“Fear Free Living”
Scripture
“The LORD is the one who will go before you. he will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”
(Deuteronomy 31:8)
Observation
Over and over, throughout scripture, I am told not to be fearful, because the LORD will go before me and beside me.
Application
“This command isn’t cavalier or meant to be passed over; it’s meant to equip and build us up, even when we have a stomach full of knots, sweat on our brow, and fear in our bodies.”
“Fear Free Living”, March 14th 2020, Journey devotional (LifeWay)
For me, this means that even if I need a thousand reminders, I am not to live with a spirit of fear. The bible provides me with everything I need to find strength in God’s word, even when I feel fearful of the unknown.
Prayer
Father, thank you for being with me during these times where many are fraught with fear. Help me to trust in your presence. Let those who are afraid take comfort in the truth of your word, as you go before and beside them into the unknown. Give us a heart of wisdom, and protect our hearts from unrelenting fear, in Jesus name. Amen.
Deeper Walk
Isaiah 43:1,
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; You are mine. “
Don’t let fear grip you!
D’Laci Elizabeth Duckett
houseofducketts 