Joshua 1:9 - Faith Sisters Scrapbooking Gallery

One of seven 12x12 LOs I made several years ago during a weekly Scripture challenge at another website.

Journaling reads: Joshua 1:9 was my verse for this week: "Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest."

I have struggled with anxiety disorder and panic attacks off and on for nearly 25 years. For the past two and a half years, however, it's been fairly constant. In the midst of these attacks or episodes, the only thing that gets me through is knowing that the Lord is right there with me. I love His Word in Joshua 1:9 -- He says we are to be strong, unafraid; not to be confused or discouraged. It's interesting to note that He does not *encourage* us to be strong - this is a command, right up there with, "Thou shalt not kill" and all the rest. Disobedience to God's Word is a sin. If I don't follow this command, I am sinning. I can - and do - run to Him in confession and repentance, but I still become anxious and fearful at times. Those who deal with this issue as I do will understand the frustration that accompanies it. I get so irritated with myself because I know my fears are irrational and unfounded. I feel like a coward and I *know* God has not called me to that. Sometimes I tell myself, This is just a phase - it'll pass eventually..." But what if it doesn't? How can I live my life for Christ and be a good witness for Him if I remain this way? Will He continue to forgive me if I continue to disobey? That's the beauty of His promise: "...the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest." He doesn't promise to remove the anxiety or alleviate the fears - He promises to be there by our side as we go through them. Neither does He command us to do something we are bound to fail - unlike the other "10 Commandments," He knows this is one we have no control over. I don't believe anyone just wakes up one day and decides, "Hmmm...think I'll be panicky today...This feels like a good day to be fearful!" When a panic attack strikes, it comes out of nowhere - at least, that's how it is for me. There are some concerns and fears that I *do* have control over and I do what I can to fill my mind with the things of Christ, which brings peace (Philippians 4:6-8). But the suddenness of an attack is something beyond my ability to control. Praise God for His mercy then, that He follows this command with His promise to be with us. Clinging to the Holy Spirit and His promises, I can be all that He's called me to be - because "I can do all things through Christ, which strengthenest me." (Philippians 4:13)

PP is Karen Foster, which is mounted on black cardstock that was cut off in the scan. Fonts are Dartagnon (verse) and Parchment (journaling); My Husband came up with the idea for the "JESUS" topper, which I hand-lettered on the back of the pp and cut out with an Xacto. I then used the "negative space" and laid it over black cardstock. Not the best cutting job, but it was my first attempt. The photo is one I took in Kenai Alaska in July 1999. TFL!! Hugs, KimB