We have all felt it—that heavy feeling in the pit of our stomach when we think about something looming in the future. It could be a difficult conversation, a challenging medical appointment, a tough deadline, or an uncertain change on the horizon. Dread can cast a long shadow over our days, stealing our joy and filling our minds with anxiety. It makes us want to hide, to postpone, or to simply wish the situation would disappear.

You can read today’s devotional and past reflections at followingtheleader.org.