I began with an old favorite that needed to be brought back to the forefront of my mind:
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
–Joshua 1.8-9, typed out from memory. How did I do?
Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed.
Dismayed: horrified, shocked.
Dismay: the feeling that has accosted my soul regularly in the last 5 years.
Emmanuel: God with us.
Emmanuel: the antidote for fear of what may be and dismay over what is.
He is my strength and my courage.
This is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith. (1 John 5.4)
The Lord gave this verse in the last two years as a reminder to be bold in prayer and then He gave me bracelet with the words ‘Be strong & courageous’ on it to remind me of it permanently. I still wear it. By the way, you nailed the verse quotation perfectly!