Wanda’s Journal

Calming Our Fears

Have you ever been caught in the middle of a storm, either on land or out in the water someplace? Were you frightened and hoping for the weather to calm so you could feel safe and have a sense of peace?

Sometimes the storms we encounter in everyday life can turn our world upside-down. Have your nerves ever felt frazzled and you hoped for calm but couldn’t seem to find a way to relax or let go of your fears?

The Bible has an answer for calming our fears. When I’ve been in the midst of chaos and feeling fearful and hopeless, reflecting on this verse has always calmed my fears and helped me to relax and feel hopeful: “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 (KJV). Another good verse that reminds me to remain calm is “Humble yourselves. . .under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” I Peter 5:6-7 (KJV)

Doubt is the opposite of faith and hope. When it seems that there’s nothing left, and fear abounds, there is hope for calm when we put our faith and trust in Jesus. Do you have any favorite verses of Scripture that have helped to calm your fears?

 

Share with a Friend:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I accept the Privacy Policy

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

99 Comments

  1. I will fight for you be patient and wait. Exodus 14:14 I know it is God’s time and not mine. I try to remember this when I am worrying.

  2. My favorite chapter is Psalm 91. I love to read how The Lord is my protector and He will not allow any harm to come near my dwelling. God brings peace in the midst of the storm. Even when we don’t feel Him, He is there.

  3. Love your writing. Looking forward to stories to read.
    Your stories help with my anxiety. They bring me to a calm place of Love and Joy.

  4. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth. give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John14:27.
    When I get worried or nervous about something, I remind myself to turn it over to God. It really helps calm my mind when I know that there are many people praying for me or a loved one in dark times.

  5. My favorite verses are “Yahweh is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never grows faint or weary and strengthens the powerless. Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40: 28-31. These verses tell me that God never grows faint or weary and he gives strength to those who are weak. That when I become weary or frightened due to a storm in my life I can trust God to renew my strength to soar above the storm. Yahweh is the one I can trust He was and is and is to come.

  6. I have weathered quite a few storms in my life. The ones that hurt most are the losses of my 1st husband in our house fire at the age of 39. The losses recently of my parents. My dad 3 years ago with lung and then brain cancers. And this year in August the loss of my mother with dementia. With my prayers for comfort to God after these losses in our lives, I made it through. And am sure there will be more that he helps us through. I love all your books Wanda. I have been reading them for almost 20 years now. I switch back and forth from paperback to the audio books. They lift my heart. Thank you! Keep them coming!

  7. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-22 Praying without ceasing, I’m learning to have more patience, God ALWAYS comes through for us & Matthew 10:26-29, God cares for even the sparrows so we should know He cares for us through everything!

  8. Hi Wanda…..
    2Timothy 1:7 is a favorite of mine and has helped me on numerous occasions when I fear I am reeling into yet another panic attack. God is good. He has always seen me through, and although I know He always will; I must admit to my humanness.
    Let me say, as a newer ‘fan’ of yours; I do so enjoy reading your novels. I only recently discovered you and am so pleased you have written so many books. I look forward to reading them all, in time.
    It is special to me that you have this website that brings you up close and personal with your readers.
    Thank you. Blessings, Judi Splint

  9. One of my favorite verse is I can do all thing thru Christ who strengthens me, and All thing are possible with Christ. I have ghd many surgerys and these verse have helped me get thru them,

  10. I so enjoyed your journal entry; life can get very disturbing at times. As a Christian we must stop and rely on God. As far as a favorite verse, mind is Psalm 46:10. I also rely on your books to read and enjoy the simple things.

  11. The Bible mentions “be not afraid of sudden fear…” (Proverbs 3:25) When I feel attacked, this has always helped me to step back away from the problem and remember how the Lord has helped me in the past. I am very thankful for the peace that He can give when we have hard times.

  12. Hi Wanda. I found our lord Jesus also. I was so lost without him but now I’m found. He has blessed me with so much love and I give him great praise. So glad to hear your friend is doing better. Prayers are answered. Best wishes. Spike

  13. I actually was stuck in a storm on land. I was on vacation with my family in Williamsburg and there was a bad storm. We took cover (actually in a church) but since the lightening was right in that area we were told we had to go back to the visitors center. We ran as fast as we could to avoid being struck by lightning. Luckily we were all safe and just very very wet. We were glad and felt relieved. The Bible verse I always think of during times like that is also one you mentioned, “Be still and know that I am God.”

  14. “Be still….” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whispered that to myself. It’s a reminder that no matter what I’m facing (be it losing my precious grandmother to cancer than almost 30 days later losing my sweet mother to the same horrible disease or a son and his family being stationed to Guam and knowing it will be difficult to visit, to dealing with a husband overworked and tired) God is with me and in all situations. Love your books so much and just discovered your husband’s amazing photos through these pages. Just ordered the quilt book for my sister who love to quilt!

  15. Frazzled nerves and searching for calmness and peace seem to be a daily task but I am finding tools to return my thoughts to God and His peace and strength. The biggest help to me is to turn my thoughts and worries into instant prayers. I find as I redirect the thoughts into words to our Lord their power to make me feel frazzled or overwhelmed diminishes. I often find myself humming parts of hymns or worship songs as well. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Phil 4:13 is one of my favorite verses.

  16. i too love the verse “Be still and know that I am God”. I lost my wonderful husband a year ago and this verse has been a comfort for me. Thank you for all your books.

  17. Wanda in my darkest hours of traveling on snow covered icy roads my refuge is to pray I always start out with Dearest Heavenly Father I am not able to do this you be my driver and I’ll be the passenger help me to keep everyone one the road safe. I then follow up with I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.Philippians 4:13. I love ready all of your books the cookbooks are my favorite regular books are the Lancaster series. I just purchased the amish Christmas cookbook you wrote.

  18. Yes I really can relate to this story. I feel like I weather storms everyday, but I feel like God only gives us the storms that he knows we can handle.

  19. I really can relate to this story. I feel like we have storms we weather everyday, but God only gives us the storms we can handle and nothing more.

  20. I have always found comfort in John 13:7 when I’m confused, worried, or unsure of what’s going on in my life. It reminds me that God is God & I am not, and I might not understand what I’m going through on this side of heaven, but I know He holds me in his hands & that’s enough for today.
    Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” John 13:7

  21. Favorite scripture is philippians 4:13. I sometimes have to really stop myself from worrying and remember that.

  22. As I sat with a dear friend, who was dying of cancer, I found myself overwhelmed with sadness and fatigue. Then, even at night being unable to sleep, I started repeating over and over Psalms 23. Eventually, I was able to sleep. There is something comforting to know that we have a Shepherd that is always there, tending to our needs and protecting us.

  23. God has calmed my fears so many times. He has never failed me. I lost my husband of 43 years in December and God has calmed my fears of me being alone. He is always there and always will be.

  24. Hello Wanda,
    In reading your journal today has given me a different insight regarding a storm in my life. I’m caught in the middle and love both of these family members. I now believe I can maybe help both this mother and daughter see a different light than what they see now. Thank you for always putting God first. Also, thank you for giving your readers an opportunity to be winners in your book giveaways.

  25. Isaiah 41:10(KJV) Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Has always been a comforting verse for me. Thank you for the verse’s you shared.

  26. I have been in many storms living on the coast of NC. Facing storms in every day life as well. I do pray about the storms I face and give it to the Lord! He has and always been by my side even when I had no one else! He is my best friend!
    Mrs. Brunstetter, I throughly enjoy reading your books! I have read other Amish books by other writers but I just can not get into their books like I do yours. Maybe cause we have the same first name or maybe cause I can relate to some of your characters in your books. But thank you for sharing your stories with us!!!

  27. Wanda I can’t tell you enough how much admire you and how much of an inspiration you are. Thank you
    On your last email you ask what things we are thankful for:
    First and foremost God, He has been there for me in so many ways. And still is! He brings up through many deep valleys.
    My family I’m thankful for my parents who taught me about living a Christian life and keeping God the center of it.
    My church family, the prayer warriors that helps us in our difficult times. They help make our lives and the burdens we carry a little lighter.
    We all need to remember our blessings daily and cherish each day.
    Have a blessed my friend
    Dana Hotaling

  28. The Lord is always a anchor in the storm! It’s not always about looking beyond. He said s my strong hold!
    Hebrews 6:19
    Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure in steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours

  29. Deuteronomy 31:6

    “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.”

    Why fight a battle the Lord has already won ! Give it all to God!

  30. Reading your books gives me a good feeling. I Like reading the trials and tribulations of the Amish when actually they have the same problems are everyone else has. Also, it shows that not everyone always has the best of circumstances. Keep your books coming. Thanks.
    I like, “Be still (actually I stop here and calm myself) and know that I am God.

  31. I have been in many storms with the weather and spirally. But each time I pray to God to see me through its might not be right away but in his time. It made seem hard at first but I always remember he only gives what he knows u can handle and u will be stronger for it.

  32. “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:6-8

  33. Be still and know that I am God Psalm 46-10 is One of my favorite’s! Blessings to You Wanda and Your Family! Thank you for sharing this Beautiful post!

  34. Cast all your cares (anxiety) upon the Lord, for he cares for you.
    I find I often don’t do well with this. I feel like I’m a bother at times, but then I try to remember that God can handle it! I continue to try to look to God instead of worrying and trying to fix everything on my own.

    Thank you for sharing your talent of words and stories, and all your positive thoughts . You are a gift.

  35. My son and I both like Psalm 23. He passed away 5 years ago but that verse still stays close to my heart. Every time I hear it or say it to myself my son is rite there beside me saying it with me. Amen

  36. Several years ago our family went through a very hard time. There were so many times, I sat there and felt like we would never get through it….Guess what…We did! Through it all we kept a tight hold on our faith. It was the one thing we had. One of my favorite verses is, 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.

  37. Without the grace of God, His everlasting love and mercy, I would not be where I am today. My faith has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years especially. Though I was raised in a Christian home, school and church, it wasn’t until several very difficult times came into my life, that I realized that it was my mustard seed size faith that got me through and thus, I keep looking to my Lord and Savior. He has been my Rock.

  38. I just sent 1 Peter 5:6-7 to a 93 year old who was a former university faculty colleague of mine.
    He is now in assisted living with hearing problems. He asked a staff member to phone me with thanks for the message “from Peter” and to wish me a Happy Thanksgiving.

  39. Be Still and Know I Am God is my favorite Bible verse. In my home, I have embroidered pillows, wooden wall signs which have the verse on them. It calms me when I am scared and anxious.
    Thanks,
    Cindi

  40. Probably my favorite verse to calm me is Psalm 46:10. This is a verse I go to when I am struggling and need the Lord to help me.

  41. We’ve been through several tornadoes in our area but never had any severe damage, just a few missing roof shingles.
    Sometimes I tend to feel overwhelmed or stressed but I remember God is always in control and has my best interests at heart.

  42. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me. Thy rod and staff shell comfort me.” It brings me great comfort to know God is with me at all times, especially when I am feeling overwhelmed or worried or afraid. What Joy to know!!

    1. I love that verse, too. It gives me great comfort to know that God is walking with me. A poem that does the same for me is Footprints in the Sand.

  43. I have been battling anxiety lately and have been standing on the promises of God in His Word. One verse that always brings me such comfort is Psalm 116:2, “Because He bends down to listen I will pray as long as I have breath”. Just think about that! God is actually bending down to listen to our prayers, that is how much He cares for each one of us!

  44. I’m so glad you are still writing great novels for us to read! I’m thankful to the person who first introduced me to your books!

  45. I often go to Matthew 10:29. If He sees even the sparrow fall, then I know he has me in His hand is my favorite scripture to remember.

  46. After my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the spring of 2017 I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September of that year. I immediately had surgery followed by 10 radiation treatments and a year of chemo. This was followed by my husband having heart failure resulting in 5 bypasses and an aneurism repaired. During his first week home I passed out broke my ankle in two places. My oncologist said I now have osteoporosis due to the chemo. My friends kept asking how I was so calm. I really didn’t question God’s will and He gave me a great peace. I always quote Proverbs 3:5-7 and Psalms 56:3. We are both doing well and I was just told that my cancer is gone. I really enjoy reading your novels. They are refreshing and inspirational. Thank you!

  47. Psalm 121:1-2
    1. I lift my eyes up to the hills
    Where does my help come from?
    2. My help comes from the Lord
    The Maker of Heaven and Earth.
    I’ve been in quite a “storm” of anxiety, since June…I have turned to
    my Bible and the Lord over and over and OVER again….
    Have a Blessed day…

  48. Well Wanda,
    Greetings! My absolute favorite verse is Matthew 6:26- (Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?) This verse has gotten me through a tremendous amount of trials. I always seem to immediately fall back on this verse because I know he takes care of and provides for everything such as the birds, so I know I don’t have to fear anything because we are so much more precious to Him. So when I’m scared or anxious I just think about the birds and how much more worth I have to Him than the birds.

  49. Well Wanda,
    Greetings! My absolute favorite verse is Matthew 6:26- (Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?) This verse has gotten me through a tremendous amount of trials. I always seem to immediately fall back on this verse because I know he takes care of and provides for everything such as the birds, so I know I don’t have to fear anything because we are so much more precious to Him. So when I’m scared or anxious I just think about the birds and how much more worth I have to Him than the birds.
    Have a wonderful day.

  50. Hello Wanda !!! Happy Thanksgiving !!! I too have so much to be thankful for. Most of all my salvation through our Lord. I totally enjoy reading your books. They are so comforting in a world full of evil. Thank you so much for your books, thank the dear Lord for giving you the knowledge to write them. You are a blessing!!! Gina Griffin McKenzie Tn.

  51. Psalms 91:1&2. But really the entire chapter. We all have fears and uncertainties but thank the Lord that He gives us reinforcements each day. Not only through His Word but through the Holy Spirit who also abides with us. So thankful to the Lord and His mercies are new each day. So thankful for Wanda and her wonderful books too

  52. On my living room wall hangs a wooden sign that says, “Walk by Faith.” When I feel fearful this verse gives me peace – II Cor 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” I lay it in God’s hands. Psalm 46:10 is a calming verse to me as well. I loved how that verse was used in your book The Walnut Creek Wish.

  53. Matthew 6:34: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

  54. “ Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
    I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
    This bible verse hangs on my refrigerator so I can read it frequently.

  55. Psalm 121 reminds me, during my times of unrest, of HIS strength and provision and that HE is Sovereign. Thanks for your ministry! My daughters and I have enjoyed your books.

  56. For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 40:13
    I love this verse because whenever I’m feeling worried it helps to calm my fears. It’s comforting to know that God is always with us and that he is in control even when things seem out of control.

  57. Seems like every day has its challenges. In a world where people are just full of anger and hate.hope you embrace each day.

  58. In Romans 8 we learn that Nothing can separate us from the Love of God. It is a very reassuring scripture. I’ve remembered it for years since the death of my stepson, Donnie from a deadly Lymphoma. He gave his heart to the Lord and ask his dad to read the eighth chapter of Romans to him Daily until he breathed his last.

  59. Last year my family was caught in a really bad Life Storm. We almost lost my sister to a hit and run driver. The driver was probably under the influence of cocaine and caught with it in her car. We are just praising God that my sister is alive, and that this woman is getting the help that she needs. That is just one thing that we are thankful for. When I go through storms like this, the verse that gives me strength is Psalm 23: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadth me beside still waters.” I also remember that He does not give us spirits of fear.

  60. Psalms 63.9 ” I will cling to you and you hold me with your strong hand.” This reminds me that He is always with us.

  61. I have had many storms in my life some real like hurricane Ian. Some brought on by my own fears and not trusting God who is able to carry me through anything.
    Remembering to praise him for everything good or bad helps me. Psalm 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. KJV
    When I forget to praise Him then I enter into fear that takes me away from my Lord.
    Thank you for encouraging us through your books. Truly and inspiration for me

  62. My life has been fast paced most of my life. Last year, at 56, I decided to slow down by reading God’s word every day. I feel blessed with everything that I have been given. I have begun a gratitude journal to remind me to be thankful every day. God is good.

  63. My favorite is Psalm 46:10 as well. The other is Phil 4:6-7. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

  64. Storms provide a feeling of peace for me as I know both of my parents have passed and they watch over me. My children were very young when the passed and at the time were afraid of thunder and I calmed their fears by telling them that their grandparents were bowling. I know its very silly but it worked and now as they are older they too have a sense of peace during storms. But the mental storms are a different story and I struggle frequently with them. Your message of the scripture in the book of Peter will be my go to read when they rage again. Thank you and God Bless. Penny

  65. Fear is an awful feeling. I try to remember when fear or anxiety start creeping up to keep saying Faith over fear! God has this, and and you feel calmer.My favorite verse is I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13.

  66. My favorite Scripture verse to calm my fears is “You will receive all that you pray for, provided you have faith”. Matthew 21:22. I remember this verse when I am praying for courage, for the strength to spend time with someone who is very difficult, etc.

  67. It is to be fearful. I know it’s for me. I think of Scriptures, listen to my Christian music.

    Thinking of sweet dreams.

  68. One of my favorites is Isaiah 41:10 which says ” 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 mighty right hand.” and another favorite is Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?” I know that when I read or say these verses I don’t have to fear anything or anyone. God is in control and all I have to do is trust Him to see me through.

  69. Another verse that really helps me is 2 Timothy 1:7. “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” This reminds me that God gives us the power to overcome any storm. Because, God is more powerful than anything this world throws at us.

  70. Blessings to you and your family ❤️ hope your thanksgiving was full of joy. Thank you for your readings and inspiration. Happy holidays🙏🌲

  71. My favorite verse to calm me when doubts and fears arrive is Psalm 56:3 “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” Hard to trust, but repeating that verse over and over really helps to build trust. Love your books!
    Reta Shepard