“They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 1:10 (NIV)

God calls Jeremiah to be a prophet during a time of upheaval in Israelite history. God says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” But Jeremiah is unsure of himself saying, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”

Isn’t this how so many of us feel right now as we lead our homes, our churches, our communities? As we try to facilitate important conversations at our tables and online or make decisions that impact others far and wide? As we try to explain to our children what’s happening and figure out how to best care of our aging parents and medically fragile family members?

In the midst of all those concerns, God says to us, “Do not be afraid; I am with you.”

So when what’s before us seems over our head, let’s hold on to this promise today: God is with me when I am afraid.