Encouragement for Today

Free Me From My Fears - Encouragement for Today - February 04, 2026

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Sarah FreymuthFebruary 4, 2026

Free Me From My Fears
SARAH FREYMUTH

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“The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

I don’t like to remember certain medical symptoms and situations I’ve experienced. If I start to feel anything similar, fear tightens its hold around my head and chest. I go to “Dr. Google” and quickly fall down the hole of unhealthy what-ifs that aren’t even warranted. I am prone to worrying and wondering what is wrong.

Rather than remembering the ways the Lord came through for me then and thanking Him for His faithfulness, I spin into situations that aren’t reality and work myself up about worst-case scenarios. How can I still be so scared when I know God’s got me? If I could calm myself down and imagine Him with me, what would He say?

What would God say to you amid whatever worry you’re fixated on?

We all have short memories of God’s goodness and grace over our difficult days, and we are prone to place doubt at the forefront when we face something that looks and feels eerily similar to last time.

Yet even when we focus more on our what-ifs than the presence of our Savior, He is compassionate. He doesn’t run out of patience when we run toward our fears. He knows our human tendencies and frailties, the way our hearts beat a little faster and our minds ruminate a bit too long on lingering unknowns. And He offers us His steady presence, just as He did for His people in Exodus 33:14:

“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

The Lord sees us sway in our uncertainty and gives us rest. He gives us grace to go to Him yet again after we’ve given way to panic rather than believing He is for us and has our best in mind. He is tender toward our trepidation and doesn’t berate us when our belief quivers. He tucks us in the crook of His arm and reassures us of His care. We can come to Him with our fears, trusting that whatever troubles us, He takes it seriously.

Yes, we will worry. Anxiety will wind its way into our lives. But we can hold it out to Jesus, who takes it in His capable hands and transforms it into something deeper within us: a trust that stands secure in the One who has already overcome everything to bring us abundant life.

With Him, we need not be afraid. When we cast our burdens on Him, we can breathe in peace and exhale worry, releasing what has tethered us too tightly. His presence brings our minds and bodies rest, and our souls are safe with Him.

How many times can I take all this worry on my shoulders? I know You are there, Lord, but my feelings don’t match my faith. I want Your presence. I hand over my burdens and anxiety to You because You care for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Sarah’s devotional book All the Hard Things: 50 Days Through the Valley offers gentle affirmations, scriptural insights, and uplifting reminders of God’s intimate goodness for anyone experiencing a season of difficulty. It’s available now; order your copy today!

ENGAGE

You can find more biblical encouragement and a gentle walk through the wilderness with Sarah at her website and catch up with her on Instagram.

Enter to WIN your very own copy of All the Hard Things by Sarah Freymuth. To celebrate this book, Sarah’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by filling out the form here. We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify them via email by Monday, February 9, 2026.}

FOR DEEPER STUDY

1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (NIV).

What worries and fears are you holding on to? What do you think Jesus wants you to do with them? How can He help you with them? Share with us in the comments.

© 2026 by Sarah Freymuth. All rights reserved.


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