Trusting God Amidst Worry and Fear
Summary
Worry is something that touches every one of us, whether it’s about trivial things like gray hairs and sports teams, or the deeper concerns of life—money, the future, job security, relationships, and health. These anxieties can weigh us down, making us feel as if we’re walking around with a piano ready to fall on our heads. But God’s Word gives us a powerful example in the life of Elijah, a man who faced overwhelming odds and yet learned to trust in God’s provision and presence.
Elijah lived in a time when the people of Israel had turned away from God, worshiping idols and forgetting the One who had delivered them. Despite the darkness around him, Elijah stood boldly before King Ahab, declaring that there would be no rain except at his word. This was not just courage—it was holy confidence rooted in knowing who God is and what He can do. Elijah’s story reminds us that when God calls us to something, He doesn’t leave us stranded. He provides direction, sustenance, and everything we need, just as He did for Elijah by sending ravens with food and guiding him to water in the wilderness.
Yet, even Elijah, after witnessing God’s miraculous power—fire from heaven, victory over false prophets—found himself running in fear from Jezebel. In his moment of weakness, Elijah forgot all that God had done. But God met him in his fear, not with condemnation, but with a gentle question: “What are you doing here?” God’s presence never left Elijah, even when he was hiding in a cave, overwhelmed by worry and fear.
This is a reminder for us: worry often leads to fear, and fear can drive us to places God never intended us to go. But God’s invitation is to “be still and know that I am God.” No matter what we face—financial uncertainty, broken relationships, health scares—God is with us, providing, guiding, and holding us fast. He knows us intimately, and there is nowhere we can go where His presence does not reach. Like a child who simply trusts, we are called to have a child-like faith, confident that our Heavenly Father will never let us down. Even when we falter, He remains faithful.
Key Takeaways
- Worry is universal, but God’s provision is personal. Whether our concerns are small or life-altering, God knows exactly what we need and is faithful to provide, just as He did for Elijah in the wilderness. Our anxieties are not too trivial or too great for Him to handle. [05:04]
- Holy confidence is not arrogance, but a deep trust in God’s character and promises. Elijah’s boldness before King Ahab and the prophets of Baal was rooted in his unwavering belief that God would show up. This kind of confidence is available to us when we remember who God is and what He has done. [14:54]
- Even the strongest believers can falter when fear takes hold. Elijah, after experiencing God’s miraculous power, still ran in fear from Jezebel. This shows that spiritual highs do not make us immune to worry or fear, but God’s grace meets us in our weakness and gently calls us back to trust. [33:26]
- Worry often fosters fear, which can lead us away from God’s best for us. When we let anxiety rule, we may make decisions out of fear rather than faith. God’s invitation is to “be still and know that I am God,” reminding us to pause, trust, and let Him be our provider and protector. [35:01]
- God’s presence is constant, even when we feel alone or overwhelmed. Psalm 139 assures us that there is nowhere we can go to escape His love and care. Like a child with simple faith, we are called to trust that God is always with us, guiding, providing, and holding us fast, no matter what we face. [38:34]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:12] - The Everyday Worries We Carry
[05:04] - The Top Five Things We Worry About
[07:05] - Real-World Concerns: Money, Future, Relationships, Health
[11:02] - Who Was Elijah?
[12:41] - Setting the Scene: Israel’s Idolatry
[13:31] - Elijah’s Bold Confrontation with Ahab
[14:54] - Confidence in God’s Power
[16:41] - God’s Provision in the Wilderness
[18:40] - Ravens, Bread, and God’s Faithfulness
[21:36] - The Mount Carmel Showdown
[23:13] - The Challenge: Who Will You Trust?
[24:46] - The Test: Fire from Heaven
[28:55] - Holy Confidence in the Face of Opposition
[31:23] - Elijah’s Fear and Forgetfulness
[33:26] - God’s Gentle Question: “What Are You Doing Here?”
[35:01] - Be Still and Know That I Am God
[38:34] - God’s Presence: Psalm 139
[41:27] - Childlike Faith and God’s Faithfulness
[42:37] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Worry, Fear, and Holy Confidence – Lessons from Elijah”
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### Bible Reading
1 Kings 17:1-6 (ESV)
> Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” And the word of the LORD came to him: “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” So he went and did according to the word of the LORD. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
1 Kings 18:20-39 (ESV)
> (The showdown on Mount Carmel between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. God answers Elijah’s prayer with fire from heaven.)
Psalm 139:1-10 (ESV)
> O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
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### Observation Questions
1. What were some of the real-life worries and fears that Elijah faced during his ministry? (see 1 Kings 17-19; [12:41])
2. How did God provide for Elijah in the wilderness after his confrontation with King Ahab? ([16:41])
3. What was Elijah’s attitude when he stood before King Ahab and later before the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel? ([14:54])
4. According to Psalm 139, what does it say about God’s knowledge of us and His presence in our lives? ([38:34])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Elijah was able to show such boldness and “holy confidence” before Ahab and the prophets of Baal, but later ran in fear from Jezebel? What changed for him? ([31:23])
2. The sermon said, “Worry often fosters fear, which can lead us away from God’s best for us.” In what ways did worry and fear affect Elijah’s decisions and actions? ([35:01])
3. How does God respond to Elijah when he is hiding in the cave, overwhelmed by fear and worry? What does this reveal about God’s character? ([33:26])
4. The pastor mentioned that even after seeing God’s miracles, Elijah still struggled with fear. What does this teach us about the nature of faith and doubt in the life of a believer? ([32:23])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon listed common worries like money, the future, job security, relationships, and health. Which of these (or others) are you currently carrying? How do these worries affect your daily life and decisions? ([05:04])
2. Elijah’s “holy confidence” was rooted in knowing who God is and what He can do. What would it look like for you to have that kind of confidence in a specific area of your life where you feel anxious or uncertain? ([14:54])
3. When have you, like Elijah, forgotten God’s past faithfulness in a moment of fear or worry? What helps you remember and trust God’s provision in those times? ([33:26])
4. God’s question to Elijah was, “What are you doing here?” If God asked you that today, in the middle of your worries or fears, how would you answer? ([34:14])
5. The sermon encouraged us to “be still and know that I am God.” What practical steps can you take this week to pause, be still, and trust God with your worries? ([36:34])
6. Psalm 139 reminds us that God’s presence is constant, even when we feel alone or overwhelmed. How does this truth change the way you approach your current struggles? ([38:34])
7. The pastor shared about having a child-like faith, simply trusting God. What would it look like for you to trust God with a child-like faith in a specific situation you’re facing right now? ([41:27])
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Closing Encouragement:
Remember, God’s provision is personal, His presence is constant, and His invitation is to trust Him—no matter what you’re facing. Even when we falter, He remains faithful.
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Provision in Times of Need
When Elijah obeyed God’s direction, even in the midst of danger and uncertainty, God provided for him in miraculous ways—giving him water from the brook and food from ravens. This story reminds us that when God calls us to something, He never leaves us stranded; He supplies every need, even down to the smallest detail. No matter what you are facing—financial stress, job insecurity, or health concerns—God’s provision is not lacking. He knows exactly what you need and will guide and sustain you, just as He did for Elijah. Trust that God’s care for you is personal and complete. [17:40]
1 Kings 17:2-6 (ESV)
And the word of the Lord came to him: “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God’s provision today, and how can you take a step of obedience even if you don’t see the outcome yet?
Day 2: Holy Confidence in God’s Power
Elijah stood alone against hundreds of false prophets, boldly declaring his faith in the one true God. His confidence was not in himself, but in what God could do. Even when the odds seemed impossible, Elijah trusted that God would show up and reveal His power. This kind of holy confidence is available to you as well—no matter how overwhelming your circumstances, you can stand firm, knowing that God is able to do what He has promised. Let your faith be rooted in God’s character and past faithfulness, and let that confidence shape your response to worry and fear. [28:55]
1 Kings 18:21-24 (ESV)
And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men. Let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.”
Reflection: Where do you need to replace wavering or worry with holy confidence in God’s power today? What would it look like to act on that confidence?
Day 3: Remembering God’s Faithfulness When Fear Strikes
Even after witnessing God’s miracles, Elijah allowed fear to overtake him and ran from Jezebel. It’s easy to forget God’s past faithfulness when new challenges arise, but God gently reminded Elijah of His presence and provision. When worry and fear threaten to overwhelm you, remember how God has shown up for you before. Let His faithfulness in the past give you courage to face today’s fears, knowing that He has not changed and will not abandon you. [33:26]
1 Kings 19:9-10 (ESV)
There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”
Reflection: Think back to a time when God provided for you or answered a prayer—how can recalling that moment help you face a current fear or worry?
Day 4: Be Still and Know That He Is God
When life feels out of control and worry threatens to take over, God’s invitation is simple but profound: “Be still and know that I am God.” In the midst of chaos, uncertainty, or pain, you are called to pause, quiet your heart, and remember who God is. He is sovereign, present, and able to handle every situation you face. Stillness is not passivity—it is an active trust that God is working, even when you cannot see it. Let His peace fill you as you surrender your anxieties to Him. [36:34]
Psalm 46:10 (ESV)
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Reflection: What is one practical way you can pause and be still before God today, allowing Him to quiet your worries and remind you of His presence?
Day 5: God’s Presence Is With You Always
No matter where you go or what you face, God’s presence surrounds you. Even when Elijah ran in fear, God never left him—He pursued him, spoke to him, and provided for him. Psalm 139 reminds us that there is nowhere we can go to escape God’s loving presence. He knows you intimately, understands your thoughts and struggles, and holds you fast. Trust in Him with a child-like faith, believing that He will never let you down and will always take care of you. [39:01]
Psalm 139:1-10 (ESV)
O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
Reflection: In what situation do you need to remind yourself today that God is with you and will not let you go? How can you respond with child-like trust?
Quotes
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