Are you familiar with Nelly? Unfortunately, I am. She desires to be best friends with me. I would like to kick her to the curb, and I often do, but she keeps popping her head into my business. She had the audacity to show up yesterday. My daughter is struggling with some health issues and this mama bear got a bit frazzled over the unknown of why is she not feeling better.
I took my eyes off of Jesus. I focused on the unknown. What could be brewing? What lies ahead? And there she was, nervous Nelly, standing tall ready for action! Does she show up at your doorstep too? I am thinking I am not alone.
I know I am not alone for the Bible has many scriptures on fear and anxiety. God understands that life on earth will test your faith on many levels. God whispers to your soul, “Are you going to trust Me? Do you really believe that I have this situation under control? Do you see that I am with you?” And He makes Himself available when you are ready to turn back around and see that He is there. And He reminds you of how He has been with you in the past. You will recall times that started out scary, and yet, you made it through. God did that back then, and He’s going to do it again.
A verse that God has used to kick nervous Nelly to the curb is Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not (add your name), for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My victorious right hand.” Over 4 decades of walking by faith, He has held true to this verse.
Look at Psalm 34:4, “I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.”
Look at Joshua 1:9, “This is My command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Look at Psalm 94:19, “When doubts fill my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.”
Read Psalm 144 when nervous Nelly beckons for you. Open your hands and receive what the Lord wants to do through you and for you.
God is a gracious, wonderful Father who desires to give good things to His children. He will get you to where He wants you to be. Unfortunately, because of sin, the road has become bumpy and it’s full of obstacles, and nervous Nelly loves to distract you and make you feel all the bumps and bruises of life. With Christ, He clears your path and smooths away any hiccups that could derail your faith. He can quiet nervous Nelly. Read Proverbs 3:5-8, 4:25-27, Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:3, and Luke 3:4-6 to help quiet her voice.
No matter what tomorrow looks like for my daughter, for myself, for anybody, you and I can know for certain that God is with us fighting our battles. We are called to rest in Him, trust, and wait upon Him for His answers. We are in good hands.
And with that, nervous Nelly takes a seat and sits quietly.
Carol J German 