Fill Your Tank - Angela Hamilton
Today’s devotional comes Angela Hamilton. She shares the importance of filling your tank with the Word of God each day.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) 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.
This is my favorite verse in the bible. Sometimes, I refer to it as my life verse. For those that don’t know, I have struggled with fear and anxiety my entire life. As a child I remember having extreme fears of loved ones leaving and being left alone. As a teenager I began having anxiety attacks that had me hyperventilating and shaking in terror. As a new mom I had nightmares that woke me with my heart pounding in my chest. I came to know Jesus at a young age but I didn’t fully know Him and live my life for Him until I turned 30 years old. It was then that I learned Isaiah 41:10. I always felt like it spoke right to me. ‘Do not fear, Angela, for I am with you. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’
Things right now feel like a scary roller coaster that just keeps going. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, and I find myself having moments where I’m all over the place. It’s extremely easy to let fear take control. But throughout my walk the last 12 years, God has taught me that His Word is the medicine for my soul. I’ve realized I have to use scripture to combat my fears and anxiety every single day. And I’m serious, it has to be every single day. See, what I keep realizing is God has given us tools and power but we have to stay close to Him to remember we have them. The enemy will wear you down with lies, fear, and doubt. He will confuse you and scare you, and before you know it you’re no longer using the tools God gave you, you’re walking around paralyzed with fear not knowing which direction to turn. But, staying close to God will fill you with His spirit. Instead of fear and anxiety you’ll be filled with His peace. It’s kind of like a gas tank. When we’re filled with God’s fuel, our engine will run smoothly but if we drive too far without filling up again, we will run out of gas.
So, my friends, as we embark on these days of uncertainty, I want to remind you to fill your tank each day with the Word of God. Use His Word to combat anything that comes against you. Remind yourself of Ephesians 6:11 and put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the devil's schemes. Remind yourself of Jeremiah 29:11 where God says He has plans for YOU. Remind yourself of 2 Timothy 1:7 where God says He hasn’t given you a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and of a sound mind. Remind yourself of 2 Corinthians 10:5 and take every thought captive and make it obedient to God. Use these scriptures and so many others to remind yourself of who God is and what He says about You. But most of all, no matter what happens. Do not fear, for He is with you. I truly believe God is going to use these times as a testimonial of His goodness. So use this time wisely as you press into Him. I love you all and miss you so very much. I cannot wait to hug you, worship with you, and listen to each one of you as you share the amazing things God did in you during this time.
Angela Hamilton