Have you ever been afraid? I 'm not talking about a friend jumping out and surprising you with a "boo".

I mean truly afraid. Afraid, waiting for medical test results; afraid for the well being of a child or loved one; afraid for your financial future, perhaps wondering ‘how will I make ends meet?’.

There are so many ways we can respond to that fear, aren’t there? We can panic, stress, get overwhelmed, or overthink every worst-case scenario (I am super talented at that one). And, of course, we can attempt to numb our anxiety-inducing situation in any number of unhealthy ways, OR we can echo David's words:

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you! (Psalm 56:3)

This is a resounding cry throughout scripture. When I read this short, yet mighty verse I think of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles when this great hoard is coming to get him and he says to the Lord, "I don't know what to do but I put my eyes on you.”

I think of Job, when he says of God, “Though he slay me, yet I will hope in him." (Job 13:15)

I think of David who, over and over again, says when “I am afraid I will put my trust in you,” (Psalm 56:3) even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I am going to be okay because you are with me”. (Psalm 23)

In the past months, I have found myself in and out of this season. And let me tell you honestly, during those times I cling to God because I know I don't have the goods to walk into the day and do the things on my own — but God does! So, I have said to the Lord, almost like a mantra, ‘when I am afraid, I put my trust in you’.

If you believe that God is with you. If you really believe that you are God's child then you are going to be okay! In fact your are more than okay, your future is so bright, in the Lord! You will be able to say confidently...The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. His goodness and mercy are going to be right beside me, for God will never leave me, never forsake me.

So be encouraged: when you are afraid, put your hope in God!