It was one of the scariest nights in my life. The phone rang. It was my niece telling my my mom had heart attack. At first, the word bounced around in my head but wouldn’t land and make sense. I made her repeat it. The fear set in. The statement do not be afraid seemed far away.

Curt and I were engaged at the time. He drove me to the hospital where they were preparing to transport her to a different hospital that was better prepared to handle her situation. The ambulance was followed by a trail of cars with my dad and siblings.

It was a long night at the hospital waiting for word on her condition. At one point, Dad grabbed my arm and said, “Pray. You have to pray for her.” It was the only time in my life I had ever seen fear in my dad.

God tells us, “Do not be afraid.” The phrase appears 81 times in scripture and most often it is God reminding his people that He is in control and will not leave them. I needed these words that night. I need to be reminded of this scripture.

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 NIV).

God knows we need to be continually reminded that He’s got us. Thankfully, Mom survived her heart attach. Even if she hadn’t, God still would have been there. “Do not be afraid. I will be with you.” God’s words are a promise for every situation, for all circumstances. I clung to this promise then and continue to lean on it now.

Do you know the promise? Do you trust the promise in difficult circumstances? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.