The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1 KJV

I underlined this life-changing verse
In the first Bible I ever owned
Its leather binding the color of blood
With which Jesus for sin atoned

It should have given me courage
But soon fear would be my close friend
Plaguing my every thought and deed
Threatening a despairing end

Yet buried deep within my heart
That verse awaited its time
To resurface and grant me bravery
Strength for the tortuous climb

God’s Light shone in my darkness
Revealing the lies I'd believed
Reminding me of who He is
And the salvation He achieved 

Now I hold in my mind and soul
Maintaining as my stronghold
This life-changing verse from the Psalms
That makes my confidence bold

He won’t leave nor be defeated
So that none need I ever fear
No matter what trouble comes to me
Jesus remains forever near  

Hide this verse within your heart
If fear seeks to keep you low
Remember God is your stronghold
And His peace you will forever know

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Linda L. Kruschke is the author of My Name Is Beloved, winner of the Unpublished Memoir category of the Oregon Christian Writers Cascade Writing Contest, as well as a self-published author of two poetry books. She is a wife, mother, active member of her church, former Bible Study Fellowship leader, and recovering lawyer. She works as the Director of Legal Publications for the Oregon State Bar. But her real passion is sharing God’s healing grace with others, especially those haunted by sexual trauma and abortion. She struggled with major clinical depression for many years, but through the power of forgiveness has become a fearless follower of Christ, living in the assurance of her salvation and God’s love. She blogs at Another Fearless Year and Broken Believers.