Inviting God’s Peace Into Our Fear - Encouragement for Today - January 24, 2025

January 24, 2025

Inviting God’s Peace Into Our Fear
JACKIE SMITH-BELL

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“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” 2 Chronicles 20:3 (NIV)

Recently, intimidating news from an MRI scan left me uncertain about my health. As fear took hold, I felt overwhelming anxiety and a tightening in my chest. I sought peace, but my mind was consumed by worrying thoughts, making it difficult to focus or trust in God.

Maybe you’ve experienced something similar.

Nothing disrupts our trust like fear. The worry while waiting for the doctor’s report. The tear-stained pillow that cradles our head at night as we ponder our children’s harmful choices. The stack of bills that outnumber the dollars in the bank to pay them.

Fear is an inevitable part of life. But how we manage our fear makes all the difference. Fortunately, the Bible features several faithful examples, including 2 Chronicles 20, which highlights King Jehoshaphat's steadfast trust and resolve in the Lord during troubled times.

In this chapter, King Jehoshaphat confronted a large coalition waging war against his small army in Judah, a circumstance that would cause anyone alarm. Yet Jehoshaphat intentionally sought the Lord:

“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah” (2 Chronicles 20:3).

Notice the words beside King Jehoshaphat’s name: “alarmed” and “resolved.” His natural, human fear was matched by a supernatural, deep-seated resolve to seek the Lord, a spiritual practice cultivated over time and rising to the surface simultaneously with his fears.

Jehoshaphat’s resolve was rooted in seeking God and fostering a relationship with Him. We cannot experience true peace apart from connection with God. So Jehoshaphat led his people in prayer and fasting, focusing on his all-knowing God rather than the unknowns beyond his control.

When you feel anxiety or fear overwhelming you, what do you seek? Do you turn to Scripture, prayer and community? Or do you allow the wave of emotions to distract your focus? Focusing on God instead of our fear isn’t a passive act; it’s an intentional choice.

Admittedly, I’m not always like King Jehoshaphat when fear comes my way, but I want to embrace his resolve. I encourage you to do the same by fixing your eyes on God, praying, and acknowledging His sovereignty. He is the One who knows our fears and has our futures planned (Jeremiah 29:11).

Because we are human, feeling afraid is natural. But living in fear isn’t necessary because God’s peace is our portion (John 14:27). And when we focus on God, we invite His peace into our fear.

We can be both alarmed and resolved, echoing Jehoshaphat’s words of prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:12c: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (NIV).

Dear God, thank You for reminding me that my emotions don't have to fluctuate based on fear’s intimidation. Instead, fear can be the catalyst for my connection with You in prayer. I want more of Your peace that passes all understanding. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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For more encouragement, you can connect with Jackie Smith-Bell on her Instagram or check out her three-day Bible plan on YouVersion, “Abiding Hope: Standing in Faith When Life Is Crumbling.”

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Proverbs 12:25, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (ESV).

John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (NIV).

What do the scriptures above say about peace in Christ and God’s plans for our future?

What overwhelming fear is causing you anxiety today? What is stopping you from surrendering your trust to God, even before you know what the outcome of your situation will be? Share with us in the comments!

© 2025 by Jackie Smith-Bell. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org