If Ever There Was A Time To Worry

“Why are you cast down, O my soul” And why are you disquieted within me?” Psalms 42:5a
Tempted to worry, corralled by circumstances, and hemmed in by expectations or deadlines? I feel the painful struggle and weight of this. Though not an every-second of everyday burden, each moment my mind grapples with the stink of disquiet, is time spent away from peace and faith. Then the guilt of not walking in faith, hooks my thoughts to drag me further from calm gratitude and tranquil musings.

I’m sure that Abram felt a gnawing in his gut, as time slipped through his fingers without an heir, the one that God had promised. Everyone else had children – on time. Had he or Sarai misstepped? So, providing the Lord a bit of assistance, Ishmael was born of Hargar and strife mounted, continuing to this day.  King David’s own son, the handsome, intelligent and very offended Absalom, betrays his father and seeks his death. And then there is Ruth, who came to the land of Judah with Naomi, her grieving mother-in-law. Ruth left her familiar customs and relationships to follow her worrisome, Israelite Mother-in-law, before she knew how they would support one another. Would she be accepted or a social outcast? Would neighbors be suspicious of her or befriend her?

These are just a few examples of “if ever there was a time to worry”.  Just because we are His does not mean that we are without difficulties. We can avoid some problems, if we listen to His still small voice, but that does not erase all trials, suffering or waiting.
Those individuals mentioned above struggled with different circumstances, yet they had something in common. Tenaciously. They held on to Him, though they questioned why—probably more often than we know. Thought-provoking battles must be fought, there is no getting past that. When the heat of contention, unbelief or disillusionment attack—don’t fawn over the lost instants swamped by negativity and doubt. Take note of the half-second when you looked to Him the Author and Finisher of Our Faith and held on for even a millisecond. Realize what the bulk and sway of your thoughts are and choose to stand in His strength—that is victory. No we are not strong enough. Life makes us weary and weakens our resolve when we try to serve in our strength. Remember, “You (God) will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You. Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 When our world rocks back and forth under our feet, ask this, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.”

Take heart dear one, your moments are before you, as are mine. We can choose to seek Him. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” Long for time well spent with Him and if you do not yearn for His presence, why not ask Him for the desire to desire Him. He is faithful.

The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me—A prayer to the God of my life” Psalms 42:8
 

1. Trust your heart, follow His lead.
2. Sharpen the tool shed. Observe and learn the rules.
   

WHAT IS MORE POWERFUL THAN A WHISPERED PRAYER?