We can easily get caught up in the difficulties of life. We need to do challenging things. We have to push ourselves outside of our comfort zones. The path is rarely easy. For those who struggle with anxiety (and even for some who don’t), the solution seems to be to hide – to tap out – to simply pretend it all doesn’t exist. Some go on vacation. Some call in sick. Some drink or smoke or do drugs. The pressures can seem so heavy.
We cannot escape the hard things of life. We cannot avoid all of the challenges. None of us get to live an anxiety free life. But what if we knew beyond any doubt that we were not in this alone? What if we knew – like really knew – the things we faced we could conquer? What if we approached the challenge knowing we may not win but we would not be destroyed? What if we simply woke up knowing that God was with us – no matter what? Would it change things if we knew God was by our side? Would it give us more confidence if we knew that the Creator of the Universe was walking with US?
You might guess I would tell you that he is – God is with us – God does not leave us – God is by our side. We don’t often live like it though. We try to go it alone. We allow the weight of the world to drag us down. We get caught in the cycle of difficulties and cannot see our way out. It even happens to us as believers. It happens to the most faithful of us. I think it helps to be reminded of a few of the things God says. We may not be able to take them in right now. We may not be in a place we believe these things. But reading/hearing them can begin to plant a seed inside of us – and when we least expect it, it grows and then God shows up and shows off. I love it when he does this. Do it again, God…Do it again.
Here are just a few:
-John 14:27, “27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
-Psalm 27:1, “1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?”
-Joshua 1:9, “9 I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
-Matthew 28:20b, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY 