We all have times in our lives when we feel anxiety and stress. Times when the obligations and worries of the world, and our lives seem to pile up and become overwhelming. Times when we feel as if we are not strong enough to carry the weight that is on our shoulders. I’ve been feeling that way recently. That there is so much to be done, and not enough of me to do it all. There are people in my life for whom I have a great deal of fear and worry. In the past, when I’ve had those feelings, I have often struggled to drag myself out from under the mental and emotional pressures I have placed upon myself. I have felt like a failure. I have railed against God and the challenges he has laid upon me and those I love.
What makes this time any different? Trust. In those times when I begin to feel my burdens pulling me under, I have a lifeline that I can reach out and grab. Jesus. Sometimes it’s all I can do to repeat “Jesus help me” over and over again. Sometimes I plead for a miracle, but trust that however God chooses to answer my prayer, he loves me and those whom I pray for, and this is all part of his plan. And I remind myself that my Father in heaven has my back and he will not give me anything I can’t handle, as long as I take His hand and believe that he is with me.
Doing all those things doesn’t mean that the feelings of panic go away forever or completely, but they lessen. My relationship with God has grown to a point that I will not, can not help but turn to him in all times and in all places. Even in my struggles, I see the blessings and joy his has given me. He will walk through the valley with me, and when I know I am not strong enough, he is my strength and my shield. He will carry me when I can not walk the path on my own.
Trust in the Lord, with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5.
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms…” Deuteronomy 33:27.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7
God bless,
Meredith
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