For Zikora

How to do Life, the Christian Way.

fear

How to Face Scary and Uncertain Times Using Psalm 91

by

And How To Access the Antidote to Fear

Dear Zikora,

How are you today?

With today’s entry, I hope that “afraid” will not be among one of the feelings you have. Today’s reading will bring you calm and assurance that your protection is guaranteed. It will also give you an answer to questions like “What’s in it for me as a Christian?”.

Psalm 91 outlines the wonderful benefits God assures us are ours because we maintain a deep, intimate, and trusting relationship with him. Check out this blog post for how to create this kind of relationship with God: How to Have a Close and Strong Relationship with God.

Read this post for how to maintain it: Psalm 81: How to Preserve Our Relationship with God and Ensure a Soft Godly life

Psalm 91 is quite specific in the way it speaks to our promises from God. It emphasizes that these promises are for those who “dwells” in the Lord. Take a look:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the Shadow of the almighty”…Psalm 91 vs 1.

This means that, these promises are for those who choose to have a constant close relationship with God. It is for those who make God their top priority. Psalm 91 further breaks down these promises in 3 parts. By specifying the rewards and assurances that are inherently ours in three parts, the importance of the intentional ways we must be with God are emphasized. To be clear, God’s promises are available to us, however, knowing exactly how to get to them gives us confidence, and ensures that we actually enjoy and utilize them.

Now that you have chosen to dwell in the lord, here are the promises you have in God in three parts:

1) Promises For Those Who Intentionally Trust and Commit their Ways To God:

Intentionally trusting God is crucial and gives us audacity and confidence to face any fear. Plus, it is backed up by many promises. Here are some of the promises in a direct quote:

Psalm 91 vs 2-8:

“I will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust;

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, not the arrow that flies by day; nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destructions that wastes at noon-day.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked”.

2) Promises for Those Who Intentionally Choose God:

With God, you have to be intentional. You have to deliberately choose God in all you do. This is the freedom that the love of God affords you. God does not force you to choose him, or to choose to do his will. You have the free will to do whatever you want, however, choosing God is the best decision you can ever make. If you choose to remain in God’s camp, here is the reward for you in a direct quote from Psalm 91 vs 9-13:

“Because You have made the Lord your dwelling place- the most high, who is my refuge- no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.

For he [God] will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot”.

This particular portion is loaded with so much promise for you to walk in boldness and have no fear or anxiety. I want you to memorize this portion because it will be your antidote for scary times or days when you are frightened but need to show up with boldness.

3) Promises for Those Who Intentionally Know and Love God:

Loving God is our first great commandment. It is the first step in your journey as a Christian. See this post: Why Love is Non-Negotiable

Here is your reward in a direct quote from Psalm 91 vs 14-16:

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;

I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With Long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation”

After reading the above portion, what more do you need, eh? What more incentive do you require? As a child of God, there is a lot of benefit for you. I hope you remember Psalm 91 whenever you start to be afraid of what the world is becoming.

Before you go, remember that if you feel that you do not get to partake in these promises because of your sin, please ask God to forgive you of your sins and truly repent of them (that is, don’t deliberately repeat those sins). Loving God and doing God’s will is a daily conscious effort. God sees your heart and knows your intentions, so don’t let guilt rob you of your boldness and rights in God.

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you so much for the gift of Psalm 91 in this scary and trying times. Thank you that I get to live each day knowing that your protection is guaranteed. I thank you so much for your patience with me as I get to know more about you and your love for me. You are worthy of my praise Lord. Help me to always remember Psalm 91 and to operate from a place of confidence and not fear as I go about my daily activities. Thank you oh Lord my King. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus name. Amen.

How to Cure Chronic Anxiety: Looking back in Gratitude to Face the Future with Confidence-

by

Find Peace and Conquer Chronic anxiety in 7 steps using Psalm 118.

Dear Zikora,

About a year ago before I made this entry, I entered a very difficult season in my life. I have faced many challenges before, but this time, it was because of the series of mistakes I made as a result of my disobedience to God.  You were very little then and really did not understand what I was going through. However, you knew I was sad, and sometimes you would ask: “are you going to cry again?” or “please don’t be sad”. I will tell you all about it when you are older. Remind me by asking me to tell you of that summer when I drank my tears for breakfast, lunch, and supper.

That said, back to today. This morning. After saying my morning prayers, I am led to read Psalm 118. As I read this chapter, I am immediately reminded of the significance of today even though I had completely forgotten the series of events that happened just the year prior. This chapter reminded me to give thanks to God for the gift of God’s goodness and steadfast love to me. It reinforced for me that God has always being on my side, even when I didn’t realize it. Even when I didn’t believe it. It is a poignant reminder of how God stood by me and gave me victory on all sides. I am grateful that I got this reminder this morning and I am even more glad that I get to share it with you.

Moving on, here is what I want you to do if you notice that you are still (or constantly) worried or anxious about something. Look back and remember a time when something worked out for you, even though it did not work out exactly the way you had expected. By reminding yourself of how God helped you in the past, you will be encouraged and reminded that God can help you again now, and always.

Psalm 118 is not just a reminder for the past, it is reinforcement for the now, and an encouragement for the future. Put this chapter in your arsenal, it is very valuable. And did I mention that it helps with chronic anxiety? My darling, it does!

Check out How to Cure Acute Anxiety (part 1): A Simple ABC Guide using Psalm 23.

Here we go, the step by step how to!

1) Practice Gratitude:

 In the first few verses of Psalm 118, we are called to give thanks to God for God’s goodness, and steadfast love to us. Look back intentionally at all of God’s goodness and be genuinely thankful. And yes, God has been good to you. You can start by thanking God for the gift of being alive, the air you breathe, God’s unending love for you, and for that positive thing that suddenly or randomly happened to you etc). We are again commanded to give thanks to God even at the end of this chapter. Thus, start and end with Gratitude!

”Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”…Psalm 118 vs 1.

”Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”…Psalm 118 vs 29.

2) Verbally Affirm God’s strength and Love for You:

My darling,  it is not enough to just remember God’s power, goodness or God’s steadfast love in your life, you must say out loud to yourself that God loves you and that God’s love for you never ends. Keep saying it until you believe it. This chapter instructs us 4 times starting from verse 1- 4!

 “Let those who fear the Lord say, His steadfast love endures forever” …Psalm 118 vs. 4.

Also verbally affirm this verse:

“The Lord is my strength and my song,

He has become my salvation.

Glad songs of salvation are in the tent of the righteous:

The right hand of the Lord does valiantly,

The right hand of the Lord does exalts, the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!” …Psalm 118 vs. 16.

3) Bring your Requests and Worries to God in Prayer and Thank him:

Trust completely that God will do what is best for you. In the same prayer, believe that your prayers have been answered and thank God for answering your prayers. Here is an example of how you can pray, be as specific as you want:

“Save us, we  pray, O Lord!

“O Lord, we  pray, give us success!”…Psalm 118 vs 25.

Then;

“I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone

This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes”… Psalm 118 vs 21-23.

We are also commanded to praise God as we bring our request, that is what the following verse means:

“The Lord is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar!

“You are my God and I will give thanks to you;

You are my God; I will extol you”... Psalm 118 vs 27-28

4) Don’t let Shame and Guilt stop you: 

Now did I mention that the anxieties and worries I was dealing with were caused by the mistakes I made because of my disobedience to God?  

The truth is that we will always make mistakes and disobey God. And yes, there is punishment and discipline for when we sin against God, but don’t let your sin stop you.

Here is how the psalmist acknowledged this and prayed to God for forgiveness and for help in being righteous. This is the prayer and I want you to do the same:

“The Lord has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death.

Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.

This is the gate of the lord; the righteous shall enter through it.

I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation”…Psalm 118 vs 18-21.

5) Trust God completely and stop looking to people for help or sympathy:

God is fully on your side, he understands and always has your best interests. Other people or institutions may make the same claim, but they have their secret agendas wrapped in the beautiful lies they tell. Remember this:

“Out of my distress I called on the Lord;

The answered me and set me free.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

The Lord is on my side as my helper, I shall look in triumph on those who hate me”

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man,

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes”

 …Psalm 118 vs. 5-9.

6) Confidently Declare Positivity and God’s words over your life:

When sadness and worry overwhelm you, or even before this happens, keep reminding yourself of God’s love, and promises for you. Choose to be happy no matter what. Choose Joy because you don’t fight alone. Practice steps 1-5 and keep repeating these verses to yourself:

“I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord”…Psalm 118 vs 17.

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes“…Psalm 118 vs 22-23.

“This is the day the lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it”…Psalm 118 vs 24.

7) Share  your Testimony and stories of God’s goodness in your life with Others:

Contextually speaking, psalm 118 is a testimony that the psalmist is sharing about how God delivered him (Psalm 118 vs 10-16). In sharing his story, the psalmist’s faith in God is renewed, the story stays fresh in his mind, and those listening are enriched, encouraged and learn how to trust God with their anxiety. And it is what you should be doing too.

I promise you, there is no better way of reminding yourself of God’s past goodness and of his unending love for you than by sharing your testimony with others. Also, doing this will instantly shift your perspective, strengthen your faith, and ease your current worries.

 I know it does for me, and I know that once you get into this habit, it will also work for you too.  I didn’t write Psalm 118, but Psalm 118 vs 5, 10-16 is my exact testimony. Every single word was as it happened exactly for me. Lets take a look:

“Out of my distress I called on the lord

The lord answered me and set me free”…Psalm 118 vs 5

“All nations surrounded me; in the name of the lord I cut them off!

They surrounded me, the surrounded me on every side;

In the name of the Lord, I cut them off!

They surrounded me like bees;

They went out like a fire among thorns;

In the name of the Lord I cut them off!;

I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, But the Lord helped me.

The Lord is my strength and my song,

He has become my salvation.

Glad songs are in the tents of the righteous;

The right hand of the Lord does valiantly,

The right of the Lord exalts.

The right hand of God does Valiantly!”…Psalm 118 vs 10-16.

So, there you have it, the 7 proven steps to conquer worry and anxiety according to Psalm 118. I hope you practice because I know it works!

This was such a wonderful way to start my day. You woke up while I was still making some notes and we went outside to soak in the sunshine. It was while you were cuddled up in my lap and I was making more notes that I realized that I would share this with the world as well!.

How to Cure Acute Anxiety (part 1): A Simple ABC Guide using Psalm 23.

by

Dealing with Acute Onset Anxiety.

Dear Zikora,

Anxiety is that uneasy feeling, or constant worry and fear that overwhelms one because they do not have certain immediate answers. Sometimes, it comes on suddenly, other times, it is an ache that won’t go away. Anxiety makes it difficult to live a fulfilling and joyful life, yet, Life can be filled with all kinds of challenges that create anxiety. Luckily, there is a simple hack that conquers anxiety, especially, when it comes on suddenly! It’s just ABC!

click here to learn how to manage chronic anxiety : How to Cure Chronic Anxiety: Looking back in Gratitude to Face the Future with Confidence-

 So, the next time you hear a news or have a thought that suddenly gives you anxiety, do this: A=Agree, B=Believe, and C= Claim the words in Psalms 23. Your anxiety will disappear once you do this regularly. I promise you; it is as easy as that!

Psalms 23 was a very popular chapter growing up. Everybody knew this chapter by heart, and I used to recite it everyday as a child. I still do. Sometimes I cheerfully recite it out loud, other times, it is a proclamation I remind myself in a tiny, terrified voice. Nevertheless, it is a prayer that comforts and calms me instantly and I want you to memorize it. I want you to remember and believe every single word because it is tried and true. I have lived through many experiences, and I can testify to the truth in every word.  I have plenty of proof.

This chapter was written long before you and I were born, and it is a lyrical testimony that King David gives summarizing who God is to him, how God helps him navigate life and the assurance that is found in God. This verse was true in King David’s life, it is true in my own life, and it gives me fresh confidence to walk through life unafraid, knowing that I am never alone. Although I know this chapter by heart, reading it again always reminds me of how powerful my God is, and how strong my confidence, faith and trust in him should be. Like I said, I have so many examples of how the words in this chapter have proven true in my life.

So here we go; a breakdown of Psalms 23 for conquering any anxious thought:

a) Is Life Hard? Worried about the future? – trust in God, and do the A, B, C as you recite this verse:

“The lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want”… Psalm 23 vs 1

             The above verse means that, God ensures that because we are his children,  we are always provided for and that we shall not lack anything that we need.  

            “He makes me lie down in green pastures”

            “He leads me beside still waters”… Psalms 23 vs. 2.

 This means that God brings us to a place of abundance and rest. It means we do not have to struggle, or strive, or enter any moral conflict to achieve an abundance of what we need.  All we have to do is to remember that God takes care of us, and trust in him completely.

b) Feeling drained and weary, weird, or confused? : Trust God, and do the A, B, C as you recite this verse:

“He restores my soul”

“He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake”- Psalm 23 vs 3.

The above verse is a reminder that God heals us, even in our soul. God shows us how to do the right thing and helps us as we do it. Remember this during the confusing days.

c) Feeling afraid, alone? – stay calm, and Trust in God, because

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death”

“I will fear no evil, for you are with me”,

“Your rod and your staff, they comfort me”…Psalm 23 vs.4

                This verse is a reminder that God is always with us in every situation, every circumstance. No matter how scary,  we have nothing to fear. We are guided by God’s words and instructions which also bring us comfort and calm.

d) Feeling like your enemies and those who hate you have won? –  Your enemies have not won, trust in God as you recite this verse:

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”;

“You anoint my head with oil;”

“My cup overflows.”…Psalms 23 vs 5

This verse means that despite the evil plans of those who hate you and want to harm you, God will bless you and make you shine and grow. God will set you apart and fill you with the strength and gifts to thrive and succeed. And your enemies will get to watch you flourishing and thriving. The above verse is so true my girl, I have many stories about this and I no longer get upset when I’m surrounded by haters.  As we go through the Bible together, you will also see several instances where this is true and the various ways that God has done it in the past. I want you to remember this as you go through life as well.

e) It feels like all hope is lost?–  Trust in God. God has a plan to bring you to victory, and you will eventually come out smiling. It is what the verse below means. Don’t loose hope. If you forget everything, I want you remember this verse and make it your mantra:

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”

“and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever”…Psalm 23

Oh, and here is a little snippet of what we did today: we colored together, and you forced me to color everything like the rainbow. Then you scolded me for not coloring it properly and then we got into a little argument because I said that there isn’t any pink in the rainbow. Then you told me that Violet was your friend’s name and not part of the rainbow colors either.

I gave you many hugs and made pancake and eggs for you three times today because it was the only thing you wanted to eat. I didn’t yell at you today and we had a nap as well. We had a wonderful day today I must say!