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Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

This passage is telling me a solution to my anxiety, to my fear.  I’ve read these verses before; all I have to do is believe them. In my head I know that, but how do I apply them to my life right now, exactly? 

I’m sitting here on election day, November 3rd, waiting for election results and reading these verses.  The news today reported COVID is spiking, and we are in for a really bad winter. My parents are still battling cancer, and my work is in turmoil. 

My chest feels tight, my stress level is up, exhaustion is taking over my body from lack of sleep, and I’m really trying to be patient and relaxed with my husband and co-workers with so much uncertainty, sickness and strife going on around me.  Is this day ever going to end?  This year? I’m so anxious about issues in my life and our country, I can hardly concentrate. 

Then, when I least expected it, I read something in Facebook today that really helped me. It said, “When some things go wrong, take a moment to be thankful for the many things that are going right.” 

God never said we wouldn’t face hard times.  What He says is He is with us and will be our strength and refuge in the midst of the hard times.  

I need to shift my focus from the turmoil onto the good things He has given me and continues to give me. My health, my husband, my children and grandchildren, a roof over my head, food to eat, a car that runs, a job to provide, friends to laugh with, a cat to cuddle with, and the beauty of nature all around me, just to name a few. When I focus on those things, the stresses of the world seem quieter.  Like I’m taking refuge and being protected behind something. Behind Him. Behind His love for me, which I see in all the blessings I focus on. 

Lord, even with the tumult of life… You are always here for me.  You are giving me good things every day. You are my refuge and make me strong. Help me to shift my focus onto the things that are going right in my life every day, so I can have the strength to face life’s tumult and know you are with me. Amen.

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