Weekly Devotional: Saying No to Fear and Yes to Faith

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139: 7-10)

We have many decisions to make in life. These decisions range from day to day things, like the foods we eat, clothes we wear or the people we spend time with, to bigger decisions, such as the career path we pursue, whom to marry, where to live, etc.

These “bigger” decisions feel like the scarier ones, though it’s really the accumulation of the smaller decisions that begin to form and shape us into the people that we are. One of the first “big” decisions we make is what we want to do and where we want to go after graduation. As a senior in college myself, this is a hot topic for discussion.

I’ve realized, through conversations and time spent with the Lord, leaning close to Him during this time of decision making, that I don’t really care what I do or where I go in life. I just don’t want to go at it alone. I want the security of my friends and family and the support, love and joy they pour into my life. The thought of living life alone or without community is a big fear of mine, one that I’m continually learning to surrender to the Lord.

We have been so incredibly blessed by the community and support of GCU. We are often encouraged and reminded of our Christian values in the most basic interactions with our friends, professors and even acquaintances. The kindness that lives on this campus is a beautiful gift from God and is one of the best things about this school! It’s difficult to imagine transitioning out of a place we’ve learned to call home into a new and unknown season of life. But it doesn’t have to be so scary and it definitely doesn’t mean we are going to be alone!

Though many of us have been nurtured, grown and loved throughout our time at GCU, it does not mean we are meant to stay. We are meant to go and take what we’ve learned to new places. We are meant to take Jesus’ love to new places! Read these verses:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

All throughout the Bible, God is begging His people to not be fearful and to trust that He is with us. He will go with us, wherever we go, leading the way and comforting our hearts. He has prepared a journey for each one of us, and no matter how it feels or what it looks like, it is not meant for us to walk alone. Our journeys were designed to be embarked on with Him, beginning with trust and obedience, leading to community and love amongst others.

God is with us. He is with you. He knows your heart, its fears and its dreams. He will be with you along the way of your next journey, cheering you on and speaking truth into your soul. Remind yourself of these truths the next time you feel anxious, fearful or unsure of where God is taking you next, because no matter where it is, He will be there! When it’s time to make a decision or take a leap in faith, pray about it, listen to the Lord and then go. If you’re pursuing Him and a life that brings His name glory and praise, He will be with you and He will bless you.

Grand Canyon University provides students with opportunities to grow spiritually. To learn more about GCU’s Christian community, visit our website or use the Request More Information button at the top of this page.