October 22, 2026
The women of Fitzpatrick are helping me with one of my New Year’s resolutions.
In January, I made 15 goals for 2026 and have been working on them, keeping my list visible for motivation. Some have been marked off as they were completed/fulfilled.
My number 6 is: “Be a praying pastor’s wife and intentional about spurring our ladies and teens to read God’s Word.” I have worked on that throughout the year, sharing Scripture readings every couple of months.
Number 15 has not been completed: “Find all the ‘Do Not Be Afraid’ verses in the Bible.” I have heard for years there are 365 throughout Scripture. I didn’t want to take that for granted any longer. I wanted to know it for truth.
So, a month ago, I combined #6 and #15, inviting all the women and teenage girls to help me. I explained the whole thing on a piece of pink paper, calling it homework. Tasked to find seven “Do Not Be Afraid” Bible verses, they were to write them out for themselves on the sheet, note the Scripture location in the designated area at the bottom of the paper, tear that off, and return it to me. (You may have to read that twice, but it made perfect sense to me.)
They did. And it has been so much fun. We have loved it. They are digging into God’s Word for themselves and for me. The list of verses keeps growing. At the end of December, I will give them all back for the new year.
To date, Isaiah 41:10 is the favorite: “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 righteous right hand.” Shew and praise the Lord!
Joshua 1:9 is another that has been shared a bunch. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Have you ever noticed how often afraid and discouraged go together in Scripture? When we get scared, we do get discouraged.
When we get scared, we overthink. What is the absolute worst thing that can happen?
When we get scared, we doubt. Will God really help? Will He really deliver?
When we get scared, we forget. All that God has already done.
When we get scared, we get angry. How can a good God let this happen?!
When we get scared, we give the enemy a seat at the table.
Two of my favorite DNBA’s are found in 2 Chronicles 20. An imminent attack was coming on the people of Judah. Five armies were on their way to annihilate them. Jehoshaphat called young and old together to pray.
The Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel. This was his message: “This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s…Take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you…Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’”
“Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you.” Do you need to hear that again and again? It is true every day of the year!
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Dawn Reed is a pastor's wife, newspaper columnist, and the author of Weiner Stew: Inspiring Stories from Appalachia. She has also published a Christmas book called A Heart Full of Christmas. Reach her at preacherswife7@yahoo.com.
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