"Be of good cheer, and do not fear"

What could you do if you did not fear? 

What could I do if I didn't have fear?

I have been asked that question many times in my life. Usually what follows the answer to that question is, "So what is stopping you?" 

Somehow that is supposed to encourage and motivate me to accomplish those things. And it works. For about two minutes. And then my fears set back in. 

The other day I was reading my scriptures as I fell asleep because I put it off far to long. Before my eyes shut, I read:

"Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you and will stand by you…" -D&C 68:6

Many times in my life, fear has stopped me from doing many things. And lately, it has become worse and worse. 

This verse was timed perfectly for me. Situations have come up in which I have had to say and do things that I would rather not do. I have been scared of the outcome. But reading this helped me to remember that I do not have to do these things alone. I can receive strength, guidance and help from our Savior.

He is there. Cheering us on. Wanting us to do those things that are hard, but will strengthen and help us and those around us. He stands by us. 

We do not need to despair when hard things come up. We need to be of good cheer. We do not need to fear. Our Lord is with us.