At Rest in Him

Last Friday I wrote about worry.  Well, I'm certainly getting a fresh opportunity to respond the right way in a worrying situation!  After a consult with my oncologist this week, my mind and emotions were bombarded with anxiety.  I sat down and tried to separate every anxious thought and bring it to the Lord.  I tried to push the anxiety to the side and concentrate on God's goodness and faithfulness.  I spoke out that He is my refuge!  He is always with me and He holds my right hand.

I admit that this was somewhat of a battle.  Worry/anxiety kept poking its head up.  I would come to a place of peace and then before long I needed to claim that peace all over again.  I find it helpful when a worry pops up to immediately speak out a promise to counteract the worry from the Word.  And to keep speaking it out until I feel it's "solid" in my heart.

I have some challenges in the days ahead, so I'm going to need to keep standing on His promises! 

"Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.  You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory....But as for me, it is good to be near God.  I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds."  Psalm 73:23, 24, 28

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."  Deuteronomy 33:27

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' " Matthew 19:26

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are."  Hebrews 4:15

I love that last verse.  Jesus understands!!!  When I cry out to Him about what I'm going through, I can just picture Him saying - "It's okay.  I understand.  I'll help you through this.  You're not alone."  What comfort and strength that gives me. 

I continued all through the week to take my anxieties to the Lord - over and over.  As I went to bed one night, I gave the burden of them to the Lord again.

I had a wonderfully, deep night of sleep.  Sleep is so healing and restorative.  When I woke the next morning, the burden was gone!!  Completely!  No anxiety.  I felt encapsulated in peace.  The contrast to the previous day was like night and day.  It was incredible!  I'm so grateful for God taking that burden from my heart, and washing over me with His spirit of peace.

Also as I walked through the week, I was reminded by the Lord of how important it is to "rest in Him."  That can be a lot easier said than done, but it is possible.  I kept speaking out my love, my faith, my confidence, my hope, my trust in the Lord.  The more I spoke it out - the stronger it became in my heart and in my emotions.  I could take a deep breath and rest in His loving arms.  I knew He was carrying me.  On hard days, I missed Floyd not being here to help me......but the Lord reminded me that He's my husband in Floyd's absence.  That's a powerful thought, and I sensed the Lord meeting me in special ways.  I experienced a deep "rest."

"Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions."  Deuteronomy 32:11

"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation."  Isaiah 12:2

"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

"How priceless is your unfailing love!  Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings."  Psalm 36:7

"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."  Psalm 62:8

I poured out my heart to Him - over and over this week.  He met me!  He has been my refuge.  He is so good, so faithful, so present when we need Him.  I feel "at rest" in Him.