The Anxiety Before The Library Opens | A Plea For Safe Spaces In A Hostile World | A Story From The Heart

The clock strikes ten, and the library doors are about to open. Most people wait in quiet anticipation, thinking about books they’ll borrow or the peaceful hours they’ll spend inside. But for me, each morning before those doors swing wide, a shadow of anxiety settles deep in my chest.

I wonder if today will be the day when one of the staff members—whose subtle words or cold glances have betrayed an underlying hostility toward Jews—will find some obscure reason to deny me entry. Perhaps a technicality. Perhaps nothing at all. Just because I am who I am.

This gnawing fear is not just about books or study. It’s about the simple human longing to be safe, to have a place to breathe, to belong without suspicion. And for so many of us, that longing feels constantly under threat in a world that grows darker with hatred.

And so, I pray: “Lord, please give Jews a safe place just to be and breathe in a world that hates so much and wants to destroy us.”

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The Weight of Fear in Daily Life

Fear is not just about catastrophic events; sometimes, it’s about the subtle moments that chip away at our peace:

The glance that lingers too long with disdain.

The rule suddenly enforced for you but not for others.

The worry that at any moment, your presence could be challenged.

These are small, daily battles that take a heavy toll. Yet, in those moments, God does not abandon us. His Word speaks directly into the cracks of our fear.

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God’s Shelter in the Storm

Psalm 27:1

“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

This verse reminds us that while human rejection can feel crushing, the Lord Himself is our ultimate security. When we fear being pushed away at the library doors, we can lean into His unshakable presence. His acceptance is not conditional, nor can it be revoked by prejudice.

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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.”

The hostile glance across the desk, the anxious heartbeat before entry—these are moments to remember God’s promise. He upholds us. His righteous hand is stronger than human hatred. This verse anchors us in the truth that we are never truly alone, even when surrounded by those who wish us harm.

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John 16:33

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Yeshua (Jesus) did not hide the reality of suffering and hostility. He named it plainly: we will have trouble. But He also declared victory. To walk into the library with trembling is to step into a world that He has already overcome. That truth shifts the weight from our shoulders to His.

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Psalm 34:18

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

When anxiety feels suffocating, when the thought of facing hostility again makes our chest ache, this verse is a lifeline. God draws near in those very moments. His nearness is not abstract—it is comfort that steadies our breath and reminds us we are seen, known, and loved.

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Choosing Faith Over Fear

Every day we face small crossroads: will fear define us, or will faith sustain us? We may not always feel strong, but choosing to lean into God’s Word, to breathe a whispered prayer before stepping into hostile spaces, is itself an act of courage.

Here are a few ways to anchor yourself when anxiety rises:

Pray before stepping inside. Ask God to guard your heart and open a path.

Carry a verse in your pocket. Recite it when fear takes hold.

Remember you belong. No one can erase your God-given worth.

Lean on community. Others are praying, walking, and standing with you.

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A Shared Mission of Hope

Dear friend, if you resonate with these words—if you too know the ache of being unwelcome simply for who you are—know this: you are not alone. God sees. God cares. And God has given us one another as a family of faith, to lift up, to encourage, and to pray for one another.

We long for a day when Jews everywhere will have safe places to breathe freely. Until then, we continue together in prayer, faith, and hope.

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An Invitation

If this touched your heart, I invite you to join in this mission of encouragement. You can:

Pray for Jews around the world to find safety and peace.

Share this message so others know they are not alone.

Send words of encouragement that remind our community of God’s love.

Support in any way God places on your heart—whether through prayer, advocacy, or giving.

Not because you must, but because we are stronger together.

Let us keep walking, breathing, and standing in faith until the day when the words of the Psalmist are fulfilled in fullness:

“The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)