Good morning, faith travelers. I pray that your day is filled with grace and mercy as you navigate the challenges ahead. This is the purpose of my Food for Thought today regarding how we approach each day!

I have discovered that the book of Psalms provides immense comfort while challenging my faith journey. Today’s verses, Psalm 56:3-4, say: 3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  

4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 

These words resonate with me deeply. A better way to translate “flesh” in our ESV is either man or mortals… “What can man/mortals do to me?”

Fear is the enemy of faith. Like troubles, it lurks around, seeking ways to undermine our trust in the Lord. It operates subtly, using sneak attacks on our beliefs. Fear will continually challenge our desire to trust in God, and it won't relent until we reach heaven. It has been said that fear is like fire ants; you can eliminate their mound with a baby powder-like deterrent, but they regroup and rebuild nearby. I know this well—I dealt with those pests when I lived in Alabama.

To overcome fear, we must place our trust in the Lord. The key to winning this battle lies in our transition from fear to faith in God. Our faith eliminates doubts in the same way that sunlight dissipates mist and fog. The fight against fear is ultimately won in our minds. This reminds me of Romans 12:2, which states: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that by testing you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”To overcome fear, we must place our trust in the Lord. The key to winning this battle lies in our transition from fear to faith in God. Our faith eliminates doubts in the same way that sunlight dissipates mist and fog. The fight against fear is ultimately won in our minds. This reminds me of Romans 12:2, which states: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that by testing you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Along with Romans 12:2, we have the powerful message from Proverbs 3:5-6: 

"5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."

These two verses offer great promises as we work to alleviate the fears that often arise. Satan loves to instill fear, doesn’t he? However, remember as you go about your day that, according to 1 John 4:4, "Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

Blessings on your faith walk,

Gene