Reading Time: 9 minutes

Have you ever found yourself so focused on your difficulties that you forget all the ways God has already been faithful? Fear and anxiety have a way of taking over until all we can see is the problem ahead of us.

If you’re anything like me, worry can feel like an old companion. Anxiety has followed my life since childhood—long before I even had the language to describe it.

And even though I have surrendered my life to the Lord, this is something He is helping me through daily and I am very much still a work in progress.

Life seems to give us plenty of opportunities to be overwhelmed. Finances, health concerns, unexpected circumstances, parenting, relationships- fear loves to whisper “what-if?” until our hearts are heavy and unsettled.

But Scripture offers us a different way.

What Scripture Teaches Us About Fear and Anxiety

When we give in to fear and let it consume us, we unintentionally partner with the idea that our problems are bigger than God. Fear becomes an idol when it takes the place of trust.

But, God’s Word speaks directly to our anxious hearts:

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

This verse reminds us that fear does not come from God. His Spirit equips us with strength, clarity and peace.

Peter also echoes this truth:

Cast all you anxiety on him because he cares for you

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

And Jesus himself invites us:

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and and learn from me for I am gentle and humble at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

These promises are comforting, but they’re not new. God has been teaching people how to handle fear and to trust in Him since the beginning.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or anxious by fear, you may also appreciate this encouragement and Bible verses on trusting God when you need comfort.

Anxiety Isn’t New- God Has Been Faithful Since the Beginning

Long before the early church wrestled with anxiety, the Israelites wrestled with fear as well.

God delivered them from slavery in Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and led them through the wilderness. He provided manna and water daily. He guided them with His presence.

Yet they still doubted and anxiety filled their hearts.

Nehemiah reminds us:

For forty years you sustained them in the wilderness; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.

Nehemiah 9:21 (NIV)

Their hearts wrestled with the same questions as our’s do:

• What if this doesn’t work out?
• What if we fail?
• What if God doesn’t come through?

And still- God provided. He remained with them and guided them. Even in all their fear and disobedience, He was faithful.

And that brings us to a powerful reminder in Scripture that can often times gets overlooked: the story in Joshua 3-4.

Stepping into Joshua- A Story of God’s Faithfulness in Uncertainty

In Joshua 3, God prepares Joshua to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land-fulfilling the covenant He made with Abraham generations earlier.

The priests were instructed to carry the Ark of the Covenant and step into the Jordan River. As soon as their feet touched the water, the river stopped flowing and took in a heap (v 13). The Israelites were then able to cross on dry ground.

This moment was a miracle. A reminder. A fulfillment of God’s promise they’ve been waiting for. And God didn’t want them to forget it.

Joshua 4- Stones of Remembrance and Why They Matter

After the Israelites crossed the Jordan, God told Joshua to choose twelve men- one from each tribe- to take stones from the middle of the river.

These stones were to be set down where they camped that night.

God said the stones would:

“serve as a sign among you… a memorial to the people of Israel forever (v. 6-7).

These stones were physical reminders of God’s faithfulness. When future generations asked, “What do these stones mean?”, the Israelites could tell the story of how God went before them and made a way where there seemed to be none.

God knew His people would face future battles, fears and uncertainties. He wanted them to have something tangible to look back on- a reminder that He had been faithful before and will continue to be faithful.

What seemed like an impossible task for them, was possible for LORD as nothing is too big or difficult for Him.

How We Can Apply Joshua 4 to Our Lives Today

Just like the Israelites, we are often prone to anxiety. We see obstacles and wonder if things will work out. We fear the unknown and sometimes even imagine the worst.

We may see a big obstacle ahead of us and instantly think that it’s an impossible task.

However, anxiety isn’t the end of the story.

Joshua 4 teaches us that remembering God’s past faithfulness strengthens our present faith. We need to remember God’s faithfulness and the times that He has helped us through the difficult times and seasons in our life.

Here are some practical ways to build your own “stones of remembrance”

1. Start a Faithfulness Journal

Write down:

• answered prayers
• unexpected blessings
• moments God carried you
• ways He provided

Over time, this becomes a powerful testimony. Reread these often, not only in times of difficulty. Give praise to the Lord for all His goodness.

You can also use a faith planner to record answered prayers and moments of God’s faithfulness. This faith based planner has a section for gratitude journaling.

2. Create a “Stones of Remembrance” Jar

Write moments of God’s faithfulness on small pieces of paper. Add to it throughout the year and frequently reread them as well. At the beginning of the new year, read all the blessings you have had during the previous year. Thank God daily for being there for you.

3. Revisit Old Prayers

Look back at things you once worried about and how God solved them. This builds confidence for what you’re facing now. Know that God hears every prayer, and while we may not always get the answer we are looking for, learn to see how God is moving in the answer that you have received. We rarely see the big picture of things, but God does and His ways are always better than ours.

4. Memorize Scripture About God’s Faithfulness

Choose one verse to meditate on when anxiety arises. Psalm 46:1 is one of my favorite. When I was hospitalized for 5 days, I regularly spoke this verse and reminded myself of His faithfulness. I focused on seeing His hand moving in the moments that seemed scary and uncertain. Here are some verses you might find helpful.

• Psalm 46:1- “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble
• Joshua 1:9- “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”
• Isaiah 41:10- “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.”

5. Share Testimonies With Your Children or Friends

Just like the Israelites were instructed to do, pass down stories of God’s goodness. Not only will it help you remember what all God has done, but it will help encourage others and help them seek God in their everyday life.

It’s important to remember that God doesn’t always remove the hard things from our life. Such things might be important for us to learn and grow, and although we may not always know the reason why, it’s important to trust that God does. He does see the big picture.

God didn’t promise a life without deep waters- but He did promise to walk through them with us. Jesus is always with us in the storm.

The Israelites still faced battles after crossing the Jordan, but God’s presence went before them. Our hope isn’t being delivered from every problem in this life but knowing that our God has gone before us and provided a way. And we can rest in the fact that Jesus is that way to eternal life.

If you want a simple way to build a daily rhythm of remembering God’s goodness, you might enjoy this morning routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main message of Joshua 4?

The heart about Joshua 4 is remembering God’s faithfulness. The stones of remembrance were set up so that the Israelites and future generations would never forget how God brought them through what seemed to be impossible circumstances. This was a way for them and their children to know the power and goodness of God.

Q: Why did God tell the Israelites to set up stones from the Jordan River?

God told the Israelites to set up stones from the Jordan River as a memorial and remembrance of how God brought them through difficult times and what seemed impossible circumstances and fulfilled His promise. These stones were meant to speak conversations among each other as well as their children to always remember the faithfulness of God.

Q: How can Joshua 4 help me when I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed?

Just as God delivered, and guided the Israelites through the Red Sea, the wilderness and into the Promise Land, God will, too, guide you through difficult times. Joshua 4 reminds us to always remember the faithfulness of God. Whether it be through journaling, or sharing your testimonies with others, we can recognize God’s hand moving in our daily life. We can rest in His promise that He will always be there with us through the storm, no matter the circumstance and no matter the outcome.

Q: What are modern “stones of remembrance”

Today, your stones might be:

• answered prayers
• Scriptures of God’s promises
• journal entries
• testimonies
• moments where God provided, protected or guided you

Anything that helps you remember God’s goodness can become a stone of remembrance.

Q: What should I do when I forget God’s faithfulness?

Return to His truth and pray consistently. Go to Him in prayer and have an honest conversation with Him. He already knows your fears, so talk to Him.

Meditate on His promises that no matter the storm, He will be with you through it. Read old journal entries on how God has helped you, guided you and how you have seen His hand moving in your daily life.

And know that no matter the outcome, God is there with you. This life is not always easy, but you can take comfort in the fact that God is always there, and His love never ends. God sees the bigger picture.

Q: What are some verses I can meditate on when I’m feeling anxious?

• Psalm 46:1- “God is our refuge and strength, an every present help in trouble
• Joshua 1:9- “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”
• Isaiah 41:10- “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.”

If this encouraged you but you struggle to read God’s word and how to apply it to your daily life, check out this post about some favorite Bible tools for study.

A Prayer for When Anxiety Rises

Lord, I thank You for all You’ve given me and for all Your goodness. I pray that when my heart feels heavy and overwhelmed, You remind me of Your faithfulness to help me remember the ways you have carried me before. Help me to focus on your continued presence and promises, no matter the storm. Please help me see Your hand in my daily life and help me cast my fears on you for I know You care for me. I thank You for your goodness and all Your love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Final Encouragement

Anxiety may try to take over, but fear doesn’t have the last say.

When anxiety rises, look back to Scripture and know the promises of God.

Just as God went before the Israelites and led them through the Red Sea, the wilderness and the Jordan into the Promise Land, know that the Lord has already gone before you and will be with you through whatever storm you may experience.

When fear tries to take over, stop and remember.

Remember the faithfulness of God in your life and start building your stones of remembrance. Write in your journal, and revisit this often, and share your testimonies with others.

Start recognizing God’s hand in your daily life and share your concerns with Him. When fear starts to well up, go to Him first and talk to Him.

God has been faithful before and He promises:

Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you

Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

And this is a promise in which we can always find comfort.