You can learn a lot about people by studying the search history on their computer or phone. Mine, for example, includes two tabs on the book of Habakkuk, several on Google Docs, and a random assortment of blogging websites. If you guessed that I’m doing some reading, writing, and teaching, you’d be correct.
Using the same logic, it’s safe to draw conclusions about a prevailing mindset if websites experience a surge of activity around a particular topic. I was fascinated to learn that the most searched verse on The Bible App in 2025 was Isaiah 41:10:
Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Add to this knowledge the fact that BibleGateway’s most searched verse was Psalm 23:4:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.”
Apparently, in 2025, fear was on our minds, and so far in 2026, not much has changed. Fear is a response to danger—or to perceived danger. We’ve been hardwired with a life-preserving fight-or-flight mechanism, but sometimes the enemy is invisible, and there’s nowhere to fly, so we have to persevere in circumstances that legitimately inspire fear.
I had my first appointment with a new neurologist this week, and he said things about my future with Parkinson’s disease that caught me off guard. I’ve added medication to my trusty exercise routine, and from now on, every driver’s license renewal will come at the discretion of a medical professional. I suppose “flight” from a diagnosis would look like withdrawal, avoidance, or denial, and “fight” might take the form of rage (for all the good it would do…).
The truth is that we can’t fight or escape from many of the things we fear.
How, then, does one live alongside things that inspire fear and yet remain healthy in body and spirit?
I think the folks behind the big searches on the Bible websites were on the right track.
The truth is that we can’t fight or escape from many of the things we fear. How, then, does one live alongside things that inspire fear and yet remain healthy in body and spirit?
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Pray in a Different Way
The host of the Uncommon Knowledge podcast interviewed former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse following his announcement that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Suddenly plunged into a life of chemotherapy and morphine, pain and weakness, his courageous faith shone through his honest discussion about death and suffering. (The entire interview is well worth watching.)
Sasse shared that the desperation of his “regrets about love and service, and the pain, all those lead you to pray in a different way.” I’ve listened to the interview, read through the transcript, and now I’m asking myself, “Am I praying in a different way because of my own diagnosis and the challenges surrounding it?” I hope so.
Knowing that God promises to be with me to strengthen, help, and uphold inspires gratitude and squelches loneliness and self-pity. Reading about a traveling companion who carries a rod and a staff inspires courage.
As we endure things we would not have chosen, we can derive encouragement and strength from God’s words to Israel. They may have deserved God’s destructive judgment as much as the surrounding nations, but they would not be obliterated like Edom and Assyria. Instead, they would be disciplined and then restored because God is faithful.
Like Ben Sasse, we will all walk “through the valley of the shadow of death,” and when we do, we can bring our fear to the Shepherd whose comforting staff and protective rod will not fail to lead us home.
Holding You in the Light,
Like Ben Sasse, we will all walk “through the valley of the shadow of death,” and when we do, we can bring our fear to the Shepherd whose comforting staff and protective rod will not fail to lead us home.
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“As we endure things we would not have chosen, we can derive encouragement and strength from God’s words to Israel.”
A good reminder. I like that – praying in a different way. ~ Rosie
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In a different way and more often are both front and center to me right now.
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So many books and articles on fear and anxiety deal with concerns that aren’t likely to happen. It’s another thing entirely when the thing we fear is highly possible and even likely. I struggle with, “But I don’t want this. . . or like it.” But He says He will work all things together for good to those who love Him, and He will be with me and give grace and help and strength. And He says our suffering works for us an eternal weight of glory–I don’t know exactly what that will mean, but I trust it’s good.
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I love the “weight of glory” terminology for the same reason. It’s undefined and so we trust. Too, I come back to the Romans 5 progression that tells us our suffering leads to perseverance, character, and ultimately greater hope.
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Fear always seems to be a common topic, doesn’t it?
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It’s on everyone’s mind, it seems. It’s encouraging to know that some are looking in the right place for answers.
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Amen
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Happy Sunday. 🙂
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It really was! Hope yours was great, too!
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No clue why mine entered twice. 🙂
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The mysteries of technology!
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So true, Michele! We are either walking in love or fear – which will we choose? As we ponder Jesus’ offering at Calvary, we are strengthened in our walk through the “valley of the shadow of death.” May the Lord continue to give you grace, strength and wisdom as you navigate Parkinson’s.
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God is faithful, and I’m thankful to be able to celebrate him together with you.
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Michele, thank you for sharing this personal update. All your friends and fans care about how you’re doing.
And this, right here –>’Knowing that God promises to be with me to strengthen, help, and uphold inspires gratitude and squelches loneliness and self-pity.’
Amen. Gratitude is our key to moving forward with clarity and joy. And yes, the joy of the Lord truly is our strength.
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I’m always a bit reluctant to give the disease much limelight. Stubbornly, I sense it trying to be the biggest thing in the room, and I won’t cooperate. However, whether I like it or not, it’s IN the room.
Thank you for being one of the friends who cares how I’m doing.
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That’s very interesting – though probably not surprising – that so many were searching Scriptures that address fear. Thankfully these folks are looking in the right place. I guess we all need to be reminded that we don’t need to live in fear when we are walking close to Jesus. He can be trusted to keep us and sustain us through whatever life throws at us. Praying he continues to bring you peace as you learn how to live with everything your diagnosis means.
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Thank you, Kym You’re right, it is a learning process. And it IS so true that whatever comes, we’re not facing it solo!
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Michele, I’m sorry that what your new neurologist said about your future caught you off guard. That’s hard, even when you know such possibilities exist. Thank you for writing transparently about your journey with Parkinson’s … your example is such an encouragement to me.
And then there’s this: “Knowing that God promises to be with me to strengthen, help, and uphold inspires gratitude and squelches loneliness and self-pity.” Yes and amen, to the sickness and the cure. I need to listen to that interview with Ben Sasse …
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I hope you get to listen to the interview. I’ve stumbled across another interview, so apparently he’s the voice of the moment, which is good because we need an infusion of hope right now, and he’s sharing it from the right place.
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Oh, dear Michele. I’m so sorry the news from your new neurologist was not more positive. You are an example to all of us, my friend, not allowing Parkinson’s to be the defining feature of who you are, seeking encouragement and strength from God’s Word, and putting his promises to work in your spirit. With Lois above I say, you are an encouragement to me also.
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Oh, I do pray that this will not be wasted! It’s fascinating to observe how God can take any script and make it count for his glory.
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Prayers for you, Michele….I try to pray with gratitude even when I am fearful….Thanks so much for stopping by!! I hope you are enjoying your week!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
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Always a gift to hear from you, Debbie!
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