A Prayer to Fear Less and Do More
By Katy McCown
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.” - Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
Have you ever stood at the edge of a leap of faith?
I’ve been stuck on the roof many times. But with each peek over the edge I’ve learned when I shift my gaze from what I face to the One who stands beside me, I gain the confidence to try.
I may not know where God’s taking me. I may not know what happens next. I may question whether or not I’ll be safe. But as our key verse says, I can count on the One who sends me, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him” (Jeremiah 17:7).
If you’re standing at the edge today looking at cloudy waters below, turn your head. Your Heavenly Father is right beside you. You may not know a lot of things, but if you know Him, that changes everything.
2 Timothy 1:7, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (NIV)
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.” (NIV)
Lord Jesus, push me! I want to go higher with You! I want to know the fullness of life that comes only when I’m planted in Your will. Help me trust You and follow You wherever you lead, that I may experience the joy of Your salvation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Editor’s Note: Content taken from the Encouragement for Today devotional, One Way to Fear Less and Do More, written by Katy McCown. You can read that piece in full here. All rights reserved.
Related Resource: Starting 2026 with Intention: Confidence, Diligence, and God’s Direction
As we begin a brand-new year, I want to help you slow down and listen for God’s invitation in your life. In this episode, we kick off our One Word 2026 series — a simple, prayerful way to reflect on where you’ve been and discern how God may be inviting you to grow in the year ahead.
I introduce the heart behind choosing a spiritual “one word,” not as a goal to achieve, but as a posture to receive. We explore two of the six words I’ll be offering this month — confidence and diligence — and look at how Scripture invites us to grow, not by relying on our own strength, but by trusting God’s faithfulness over time.
This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
