In the Shadow of His Wings

Last weekend my visit with Floyd was one of my best visits in recent times.  He was very attentive and responsive.  I read some emails of encouragement that I had gotten, and he actually cried.  I can't imagine how hard this journey must be for him.  He seems to "soak up" the affirmation and encouragement.  I keep trying to tell him how much he is loved, how his ministry continues, and how many people are praying for him.  I pray for strength and grace for his heart - and for the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  

As I prepared for surgery last week, I was caught by surprise when I woke up a couple nights in the middle of the night with anxiety.  I didn't realize that was there!

It gave me the opportunity to take my cares, my concerns, my worries to the Lord.....especially ones I didn't know about until they woke me.  I thought of the verse from Psalm 63:6:

"I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night."

As I lay in bed meditating on His goodness, His faithfulness, His love and care, His grace, His comfort......the anxieties that had come to the surface evaporated in His presence.  I was grateful to have been able to give them to Him so that I didn’t carry them with me to the surgery!

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you."  1 Peter 5:7

"Do not be anxious about anything."  Philippians 4:16

"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."  Isaiah 41:10

"Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice."  Psalm 63:7

"The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."   Joshua 1:9

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears."  Psalm 34:4

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."  Psalm 94:19

"May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way."  2 Thessalonians 3:16

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You."  Psalm 56:3

"Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you: He will never let the righteous be shaken."  Psalm 55:22

As I started looking at verses about His help when anxious, I found sooo many!  I'm so grateful for His abundant promises to help us.  I'm standing on them - speaking them out if anxiety pops its head up.

My surgery on Tuesday went well.  It was long and complicated but the surgeon is happy with the result. Now I am trying to rest and recover so that I can go home tomorrow.  I am holding onto the Lord’s promises as I battle through the pain and nausea from the surgery.  I know He will help me each step of the way, He has been so faithful and He will continue to hold my hand.