Year of the Bible

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7, NKJV).

As I prepared for a final exam during my senior year of college, I became overwhelmed with worry about how I would do. My degree would be in Early Childhood Education, so I sought my grandmother Helen’s guidance, since she was a retired teacher. She comforted me with this Bible verse and spoke of the many times she turned to it in times of fear. It’s been more than 20 years since this conversation, and I still hide these words in my heart.

Referencing this verse, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary (SDABC) says, “Genuine Christianity doesn’t produce cowards” (vol. 7, p. 329).

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well” (Ps. 139:14, NKJV).

Dear Child,

You delight me! I love you because I made you! I crafted you as my masterpiece. Every fabric of your being was meticulously made by Me. You are beautiful and priceless, because My hands create masterpieces.

My child, you worry too much about vanity and earthly possessions, but I am coming back to make you new—to fully restore you. Therefore, why do these things matter? Let go of your worldly worries for a moment and bask in My precious presence. I created you to enjoy My peace, My joy, My love!

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you” (1 Pet. 5:7, KJV).

When I was growing up, memory verses were a fact of life. There are still dozens of them tucked away in my head. Oftentimes, they come back to mind at moments when they are most appreciated, like today’s verse.

There is no shortage of things to worry about—and most of us have a pretty long list. Our health, kids, parents, co-workers, the economy, getting older, how we look, the future, being loved and accepted, job performance, safety, diet. Did I list anything you worry about?